Canada blanks Qatar for comfortable win to open series of pre-World Cup friendlies

Early goals by Cyle Larin and Jonathan David helped Canada to a comfortable 2-0 victory over World Cup host Qatar in an international men's soccer friendly on Friday in Vienna, Austria.

Canada controlled large stretches of the game and built its 2-0 lead after just 13 minutes at a largely empty Generali Arena. Qatar, five places below Canada in the world rankings at No. 48, failed to impress on the day.

The Canadians, who were facing Qatar for the first time, will undergo a stiffer test Tuesday when they take on No. 13 Uruguay in Bratislava, Slovakia.

There was a moment of concern in the second half with Alphonso Davies needing treatment after tangling with Ismail Mohammad in the 57th minute. The Bayern Munich star was able to walk off, albeit gingerly, as he gave way to a substitute.

Canada wasted little time with Larin scoring in the fourth minute. The Club Brugge striker rose high to head home a Sam Adekugbe cross, delivered from just outside the Qatar penalty box, for his Canadian men's record 25th goal in 53 appearances.

David, who is signed to Adidas, covered the Nike logo on the Canada shirt with his right hand as he celebrated the goal. There has been recent social media chatter about Canada, unlike other teams, not unveiling a new jersey for the World Cup.

Canada came close to scoring third goal off a free kick in the 88th minute but Ike Ugbo's header was saved by the Qatar 'keeper and Kamal Miller's attempt off the rebound hit the crossbar.

David (Junior) Hoilett, earning his 48th cap, captained Canada in the absence of the injured Atiba Hutchinson.

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Friday's game marked the Canadian men's first against an Asian opponent since November 2016 when they