Players and coaches brawled after a horror injury on day eight of the World Cup, which saw chaotic and heartbreaking scenes.
Canada vs Qatar: Horror Injury Sparks Brawl
Co-hosts Canada put themselves in prime position to qualify for the knockout stage with a thumping 6-0 triumph over Qatar. But the fixture was marred by a horrific injury sustained by Ismael Kone, as the midfielder with Serie A side Sassuolo appeared to suffer a broken leg.
Kone, 24, is set to undergo surgery and was rushed straight to hospital after being carried from the pitch on a stretcher. While he lay stricken, players and coaching staff came to blows, with a further altercation after the final whistle.
Fifty minutes into the Group B encounter, Assim Madibo launched himself from behind at Kone, leaving the Canadian star sprawled in agony. Madibo was instantly spotted with his head buried in his hands as Canadian players surrounded the devastated Qatar player, while medical personnel raced to treat Kone. Madibo received a straight red card.
Jonathan David, who netted a hat-trick, was spotted weeping, as was manager Jesse Marsch, who confronted Qatari staff. A member of the Canadian backroom team was overheard telling the referee: "His leg's hanging off. It's a f****** broken leg over there."
Homam El Amin had already been sent off for a professional foul on Tajon Buchanan in the 33rd minute, meaning Qatar ended the game with nine men. When Nathan Saliba later found the net from a free kick, he formed an "8" with both hands - Kone's shirt number - then grabbed Kone's shirt and raised it high.
The final whistle sparked another heated confrontation between players, while Marsch clashed with Qatar boss Julen Lopetegui. Marsch later revealed that Madibo entered the dressing rooms to offer his apologies for the challenge. On his confrontation with Lopetegui, he said: "I don't understand a reaction from their entire bench to try to start a fight about it being a red card when a clear foul just happened that broke a player's leg."
Switzerland's Late Show
Switzerland claimed a 4-1 triumph over Bosnia and Herzegovina in a fixture packed with late theatrics. The encounter remained scoreless until the 74th minute, with three further goals arriving from the 90th minute onwards.
Johan Manzambi connected with a knockdown in the penalty area, dispatching a first-time volley past Bosnia's goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj in the 74th minute, just two minutes after stepping off the bench. With Bosnia reduced to 10 men following Tarik Muharemovic's red card for bringing down Breel Embolo when he was clear through on goal, Ruben Vargas extended Switzerland's lead with a pinpoint curling finish.
Vargas turned provider in the 90th minute, setting up Manzambi to net his second from close range, before Granit Xhaka slotted home an injury-time penalty after Djibril Sow was brought down by Amar Memic. Ermin Mahmic managed to score a late consolation for Bosnia with a stunning volley following a corner.
Mexico Progress
Mexico secured their spot as the first side through to the round of 32 following their second victory of the competition. The host nation saw off South Korea 1-0 to guarantee their advancement. Midfielder Luis Romo tapped into an empty net after goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu spilled the ball. Mexico could now play England in the last 16 if both teams win their group and round of 32 match.
Meanwhile, in Thursday's opening fixture, South Africa grabbed a late leveller to keep their World Cup dreams alive with a point against Czechia. Michal Sadilek broke the deadlock before Teboho Mokoena converted a vital spot-kick.
Thomas Tuchel Complaints
Thomas Tuchel's complaints about not being able to watch his England team sing the national anthem due to a swarm of photographers have prompted FIFA to make a change. Coaching staff will now be allowed to shift to either side of the dugouts for an unimpeded view. However, this solution may not appease the German coach, who is reportedly keen to see the photographers relocated.
He is unlikely to be happy about having to move from the dugout, and fans have expressed their support for the Three Lions manager after footage of the 'ridiculous' swarming of his coaching team by photographers during the 4-2 win over Croatia emerged online.
The ex-Chelsea manager has a new addition to his squad after Trevoh Chalobah joined the England camp. The Blues defender was summoned following Newcastle ace Tino Livramento's injury.
England Thrash MLS Side
England's preparations pressed on with a behind-closed-doors friendly against Sporting Kansas City. Ivan Toney bagged a hat-trick in a commanding 5-1 victory in a practice match at England's Swope Soccer Village training facility on Thursday.
It featured the players not used in Wednesday's win over Croatia and squad members who did not play significant minutes in Dallas. Aston Villa duo Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins were also on target. Dan Burn, Jordan Henderson, Eberechi Eze, Marc Guehi, Kobbie Mainoo, Djed Spence and Jarell Quansah were also involved. The match was broken up into two halves of around 25 minutes each.
