Canadian media’s reaction to Celtic’s Alistair Johnston after damaging World Cup loss to Switzerland

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Alistair Johnston has helped Canada reach the knockout stages of a World Cup for the very first time.

The Celtic defender has started all three group matches for his nation, including the 2-1 defeat to Switzerland on Wednesday.

That defeat is damaging for Johnston and his Canadian teammates because it means they finish second in their group and will now have to play all of their knockout games outside of their home country.

In the dying moments of the match, the Celtic right-back had a gilt-edged chance to equalise, but his header went straight into the hands of the opposition goalkeeper, Gregor Kobel.

After Johnston’s strong performances for Canada during their opening two games, his local media felt that his levels dipped a little against the Swiss.

• READ MORE: Ian Wright’s rant about the state of Scottish football at the World Cup will interest Celtic fans

Are you worried Alistair Johnston’s World Cup performances results in him leaving Celtic? 😬🍀

Interest is growing as Johnston thrives with Canada… 🇨🇦

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Alistair Johnston ‘struggled’ against Switzerland

Both teams went into the break level. But then Canada had an awful start to the second half, conceding two goals inside 12 minutes.

Canadian outlet Sportsnet highlighted that Johnston ‘struggled’, and provided him with a rating of six out of ten.

Breel Embolo provided the assist for Switzerland’s second goal, and Sportsnet were critical of Johnston and how he dealt with that situation.

Sportsnet: ‘Like Laryea, Johnston struggled at times after being one of Canada’s best players through the first two matches. He probably could’ve done more as Embolo held off de Fougerolles and set up the game’s winning goal.’

Johnston’s defensive work dubbed ‘weak’

One of the great strengths of Johnston’s game is how he doesn’t shy away from going all-in on a tackle or a challenge.

But Canadian outlet SI felt that the Celtic man was ‘weak’ in his aerial duels, as the opponent’s opening goal came from his side.

Although it wasn’t Johnston’s fault, it was explained why he left such a gaping hole for Rubén Vargas to open the scoring, as he was handed a rating of 6.6.

SI stated: ‘Had to leave goalscorer Vargas unmarked to fill the gaping hole in the middle. Weak in his six duels and lost all but one on the ground and in the air.’