Canada and Qatar will both be aiming to secure their first-ever FIFA World Cup victory when they meet at BC Place in Vancouver on Thursday in a crucial Group B encounter.
Neither nation has previously won a match at the World Cup. While both ended their opening fixtures with draws, the circumstances surrounding those results could hardly have been more different.
Canada produced an impressive display against Bosnia-Herzegovina but was forced to settle for a draw despite dominating large portions of the contest. Jesse Marsch’s side controlled 61% of possession, registered 37 touches inside the opposition penalty area compared to Bosnia’s 15, and limited their opponents to just 0.02 expected goals from open play.
Qatar, meanwhile, celebrated their opening-point haul as though it were a victory. The Gulf nation battled to a dramatic draw against Switzerland despite being second-best for much of the match. Qatar managed only 32% possession and eight touches in the Swiss penalty area, while allowing their opponents 42 touches in their own box. However, a stoppage-time own goal from Miro Muheim rescued a valuable point and delivered the nation’s first-ever World Cup point.
With fellow co-hosts the United States and Mexico both winning their opening matches, Canada faces increased pressure to deliver in front of their home supporters. The Canadians remain winless in seven World Cup matches, a record surpassed only by Honduras (nine) and Egypt (eight) among nations without a tournament victory.
There is reason for optimism, however. Vancouver has become a fortress for Canada in recent years. The hosts have won each of their last four matches at BC Place, scoring 17 goals and conceding only twice. Their last defeat at the venue came against Mexico in a World Cup qualifier back in March 2016.
Marsch may be tempted to keep faith with the side that performed strongly against Bosnia, although forwards Promise David and Cyle Larin are pushing for starting roles after combining off the bench for Canada’s equaliser. Larin scored just 121 seconds after entering the match, finding the net with his first touch after being set up by David.
Midfielder Ismaël Koné is expected to remain a key figure for the hosts. He completed more passes than any Canadian player in the opening game with 50, while also leading the team in final-third line-breaking passes and high-intensity pressures, underlining his importance in both possession and defensive phases.
For Qatar, confidence will be high after their dramatic comeback against Switzerland, but they know a victory would represent the biggest result in the nation’s football history. With both teams still searching for a maiden World Cup triumph, Thursday’s clash promises to be a landmark occasion for one side or potentially both if the points are shared once again.
