Canada's Emotions Run High After Ismaël Koné's Gruesome Injury

The Gruesome Injury

Canada's emotions ran high after Ismaël Koné's horrific injury during Thursday's 6-0 win over Qatar. Koné's lower left leg was visibly mangled after a kick from behind by Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo.

Team Reaction

Koné's teammates rushed to his defense, taking umbrage with the nature of Madibo's challenge. Stephen Eustáquio, Koné's midfield partner, was the first to alert the rest of Canada to the injury. "I saw his leg," Eustáquio told reporters. "I saw that something wasn't right, and I just wanted for the medical staff to get in as quick as possible."

The Impact on the Team

Koné's importance to Canada cannot be overstated. "He means everything to this team," said striker Jonathan David. "If you [ask] the same question to any guy on the team, they will tell you the same. I don't even know how to describe him. He's someone that we love a lot."

A Calming Presence

Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau, who has experienced a similar horrific injury in the past, was a calming presence for his teammates. "Every guy lives the emotions a certain way, and we went through the emotions in that time," Crépeau said. "Man, it's so difficult to put into words, but it's just a moment to say, 'Hey, you're not alone. I'm feeling the same thing as you, but we have a job to finish for him.'"

The Road to Recovery

Koné's teammates are determined to make their injured midfielder proud and continue to play for him. The team's emotions are running high, but they are focused on finishing the tournament on a positive note.