Alistair Johnston's sudden rise mirrors Canadian men's team on World Cup stage
CBC
Chris Jones is in Qatar covering the men's World Cup for CBC Sports.
On a gorgeous evening at the Umm Salal Sport Club north of Doha, the Canadian men stretched out on grass so perfect it was hard to believe it was real. There was laughter that could be heard from a soccer field away, and an easy, languid pace about things.
This is what it looks like when people are having the time of their lives.
At their first World Cup since 1986, their qualification alone was a good soccer story. They've since enjoyed rave reviews after their narrow 1-0 loss against second-ranked Belgium in their opening match in Qatar.
"It was such a difficult game," Roberto Martinez, Belgium's coach, said after. "Canada were better than us in what we wanted to do."
Tata Martino, Mexico's coach, called it the performance of the tournament so far: "Un clinic."
WATCH | Canada faces must-win game vs. Croatia:
Canada surprised many by playing a fearless, attacking game, outshooting the heavily favoured Belgians 22-to-9.
In CONCACAF qualifying, head coach John Herdman sometimes had his team hold back, soaking up pressure before launching quick, decisive counters. (A January win over the U.S. in Hamilton comes immediately to mind.)
Herdman apparently followed his charges' wishes to put on more of a show. For lesser players on smaller sides, the World Cup is a rare chance to gain notice. Career-changing turns happen every four years.
On Friday, news broke that fullback Alistair Johnston will soon leave CF Montreal for Scottish giants Celtic. According to reports, the two clubs have agreed to transfer terms; only Johnston's contract needs sorting.
"Just being linked with them, my phone's been blowing up," Johnston said Friday, adding that it's probably time for him to upgrade his iPhone10. "That nearly put my phone out of commission, halfway through a World Cup."
If the move materializes, the 24-year-old Johnston will join the rarified ranks of Canadians playing in Europe — and, given Celtic's frequent domestic dominance, also in the Champions League. The dream he is presently living will continue uninterrupted.
Johnston's rise has been sudden and well-earned. He was playing in League 1 Ontario as recently as 2019. After only three years in Major League Soccer, he now looks set to move to the Scottish Premiership. It isn't one of Europe's top leagues, but it's still a big step up, and exactly the kind of test Herdman has publicly wished for his players to take.