‘Kone a big part of the heart of Canada’published at 07:51 BST
07:51 BST
Canada 6-0 Qatar
Image source, Getty Images
Canada head coach Jesse Marsch said Ismael Kone was “a big part of the heart of our team” after the midfielder suffered a broken leg in their 6-0 win against Qatar.
“It was right in front of us, and everyone could hear the bone snap,” said Canada boss Jesse Marsch.
“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.”
Despite the nature of the injury, Kone was waving to supporters as he was stretchered off the field of play.
“It is a statement about Ismael, but also this is an incredible team. I have been telling people for years about the character of this group,” said Marsch.
“You got to see how everyone was crushed but we had to find a way to stay focused.”
During the second-half hydration break, Marsch was in tears. Nathan Saliba – who had replaced Kone – held up his team-mate’s shirt after he scored his side’s fourth.
“He will be back stronger than ever and he will continue to have a great career,” he said.
“I said at the water break that he would want us to finish this game – and that is what the guys did.”