Celtic defender Alistair Johnston says Canada secured one of their best-ever results on Sunday night after drawing 0-0 away to fancied EURO 2024 side France.
Johnston had been a doubt for the encounter after picking up a hamstring concern in their previous match against the Netherlands, even training on his own in the build-up.
However, he was selected by manager Jesse Marsch and repaid that faith with a solid hour on the pitch to help his country frustrate the French.
The right-back was up against Theo Hernandez of AC Milan and Marcus Thuram of Inter on his flank but acquitted himself well, giving away nothing before being substituted in the 62nd minute.
After the match, Johnston said [Canada National Team]: “I’m not a massive Canadian soccer historian but that has to be one of the best results we’ve ever had. To go out there with a new system and for that to be our second 90, to see the progression we made. It’s a testament to the coaching staff and the player pool. It’s exciting football and we were going at the best teams in the world. That’s something everyone can get behind. It’s another great building block for us as a team.”
Alistair Johnston answers questions vs France
It was Johnston who Memphis Depay peeled off of to score the Dutch’s first goal against Canada in a 4-0 defeat midweek, but on Sunday he showed he can keep his concentration at the elite level.
The Celtic defender won six of his seven duels on the night, also winning all three of his attempted tackles as well as blocking a shot.
He also had a nice moment going the other way, nutmegging a Frenchman before sparking a Canada attack.
His physicality was on full display too, bringing the fight to the French and picking up a yellow card for a ‘robust’ challenge on Hernandez.
His overall FotMob rating was a 7.2 before what looked like a pre-planned substitution after an hour, with Richie Laryea coming into the game.
Johnston now has a massive summer ahead, entering the Copa America tournament later this month with an opener against Lionel Messi’s Argentina before matches against Peru and Chile. Sunday’s game was a nice confidence boost to him and his team in preparation for that.