Ismael Kone #8 of Canada consoled by Jesse Marsch(Image: Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Distressing scenes emerged as Canada star Ismael Kone was stretchered off the field with what appeared to be a broken leg during his nation's side with Canada. The midfielder waved to fans as he was taken along the sidelines.
There was immediate concern for the Canadian international as tensions rose between the sides. There was anger from Kone's team-mates who reacted furiously to Qatar's stars, while the player who committed the foul, Assim Madibo, appeared devastated himself.
The Canadian star clutched his left leg in agony as he hit the floor in the 55th minute, before being surrounded by members of coaching staff in addition to those on the field. Canada boss Jesse Marsch was incensed.
Qatar ace Madibo had his head in his hands before eventually seeing his yellow card upgraded to a red for his challenge as Kone was given oxygen to help manage the pain he was in. The 24-year-old managed to sit up as he was carried along the side of the pitch and received comfort from manager Marsch.
"His leg's hanging off," said Canada's assistant manager to the fourth official before Madibo was shown red. "His leg is broken. His leg is broken, man."
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"It's a horrible situation to be in. Kone has just been lifted off on a stretcher," Dion Dublin said on BBC Radio 5 Live. "We haven't seen a replay and I'm not sure I want to. He was putting his thumbs up to his fans, he is conscious, he's saying thanks for the support to them."
Nathan Saliba replaced Kone before producing an exquisite free-kick, just minutes after entering the field. The home side were already leading 3-0 before Kone suffered the injury, and Saliba's strike added to the tally in style before he paid tribute to his fallen team-mate.
Kone raised a shirt bearing Kone's name and number into the air.
Nathan Saliba shows the shirt of Ismael Kone(Image: Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Canada continued to take advantage of Qatar being down to nine men. Mohammed Manai scored an own-goal in the 75th minute to extend the host's lead.
The first half saw Cyle Larin open the scoring before Juventus striker Jonathan David scored either side of Homam Ahmed being sent off. David was able to claim his hat-trick with Canada's sixth goal in stoppage time of the game.
While there was plenty of jubilation for Canda's victory on Thursday evening, thoughts will also remain with Kone.
"A gruesome injury, but not intentional. Praying for a speedy recovery," said one fan. "Wishing Isma all the best, get well soon and come back stronger big guy," added another.
"Praying for Isma," said a viewer. Another said: "Had to score one for Kone. This is such an emotional game now."
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