Mexico into World Cup last 32, Canada celebrate historic win

Canada's Ismael Kone waves to the crowd as he is carried off the field after suffering a serious injury during the heavy victory over Qatar (Fran Santiago)Mexico became the first team to reach the knockout round of the World Cup on Thursday after a 1-0 victory over South Korea while Canada edged closer to the last 32 after thrashing Qatar.

>A howler from South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu gifted a goal to Mexico's Luis Romo and proved decisive as 'El Tri' hung on to win a tense battle in Guadalajara.

>The victory means Mexico are guaranteed to finish in top spot in Group A with a game to spare following South Africa's 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic earlier Thursday.

>Finishing top keeps Mexico at home in the last 32 with a game against a third-placed team in Mexico City.

>South Korea are second on three points, with the Czech Republic and South Africa also still alive on one.

>In other games on Thursday, Canada moved to the brink of the last 32 after overwhelming nine-man Qatar 6-0 to secure their first ever World Cup victory in Group B.

>Switzerland, also in Group B, reignited their campaign with a resounding defeat of Bosnia-Herzegovina in Los Angeles.

>- Injury horror -

>Tournament co-hosts Canada had lost all six of their previous matches at the World Cup, at the 1986 and 2022 finals, but brought that run of losses to a halt in spectacular fashion at Vancouver's BC Place stadium.

>With Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney -- wearing a replica Canada shirt -- among a fired-up crowd, Jesse Marsch's side ran riot to secure a win that leaves them needing only a point against Switzerland to finish top of Group B.

>A hat-trick from Juventus striker Jonathan David, one goal apiece from Cyle Larin and Nathan Saliba, and a Mohammad Manai own goal sealed Canada's win.

>The victory was marred though by a serious left leg injury to midfielder Ismael Kone, who was stretchered off after being clumsily upended by Qatar's Assim Madibo in the 51st minute.

>Madibo was initially shown a yellow card for the challenge which was subsequently upgraded to red. The stricken Kone was given oxygen as he was carried off the field, waving to fans.

>Canada coach Jesse Marsch revealed afterwards Kone was being treated in hospital for a suspected broken leg, adding that his staff had understood the severity of the injury immediately.

>"It was right in front of us, and everyone could hear the bone snap," Marsch said. "I haven't spoken to Ismael yet, but he's at the hospital. He will prepare for a surgery.

>"Everybody's a little shaken by the whole experience because of the nature of the injury, and also because Ismael is a big part of the heart of our team. It will be a big loss for us."

>- Switzerland on track -

>Earlier, Switzerland got their campaign back on track with a 4-1 drubbing of Bosnia-Herzegovina at the SoFi Stadium.

>Johan Manzambi scored twice while Ruben Vargas and Granit Xhaka were on target in a late flurry of goals for the Swiss, who are dreaming of advancing beyond the last 16 for the first time at this World Cup.

>Bosnia, who upset Italy in a playoff to reach this year's tournament, are nearing an early exit after a loss that leaves them with one point from two games.

>In other games on Thursday, South Africa resurrected their slender qualification hopes with a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic in Atlanta.

>Teboho Mokoena's penalty earned a point for South Africa after Michal Sadilek opened the scoring for the Czechs.

>But Mokoena's late spot-kick kept both teams in the hunt for the last 32, although they will almost certainly have to win their final Group A fixture to advance.

>rcw/gj