Canada's Six-Goal Victory Overshadowed by Serious Injury
Canada midfielder Ismael Kone has expressed gratitude to his teammates and fans following surgery for a broken leg.
The 24-year-old suffered the injury during the World Cup co-hosts' commanding 6-0 victory over Qatar on Thursday.
The former Watford player was harshly tackled by Assim Madibo while contesting possession. The challenge left players from both teams visibly shocked as Kone required extensive medical attention on the field.
The Sassuolo midfielder was able to acknowledge the crowd with a wave as he was eventually carried off the pitch on a stretcher.
"Your love and support has been felt, honestly thank you so much. You can't even imagine how grateful I am to everyone who reached out and that has me in their prayers
"I wanted you to know that I love you guys from the bottom of my heart and our brotherhood is everything to me.
"What you guys did yesterday will stay with me forever. I'll be back very soon and we'll keep making more memories together."
Canada's final Group B match is scheduled against Switzerland on 24 June at 20:00 BST.
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