Jonathan David's hat trick on Thursday at B.C. Place marked a historic milestone: he became the first host-nation player to score three times in a World Cup match since Geoff Hurst's famous trio for England in 1966.
Canada's Dominant Victory
Canada's 6-0 demolition of Qatar in World Cup Group B action produced numerous superlatives. It was the most goals ever scored by a CONCACAF nation in a World Cup match, the biggest win for a CONCACAF team, and tied the all-time record for largest victory by a host nation (Argentina beat Peru 6-0 in 1978). David's hat trick was also the first by a Canadian at a World Cup.
David's Performance
David, who had been in a scoring slump, silenced critics with a tremendous performance. He set up the first goal with a shot, then scored three times. Canadian head coach Jesse Marsch praised David's preparation: 'I said buckle up. That's a striker, that's a goal-scorer. I never had any doubts in Jonny.'
David himself acknowledged the ups and downs of a striker's life. 'You get criticized when you don't score, so it's normal,' he said with a grin.
The hat trick ties a 60-year-old record: no host-nation player had scored three times in a World Cup match since Geoff Hurst did it for England in the 1966 final.
