Co-commentator Andros Townsend labelled Alistair Johnston ‘world-class’ in Canada’s 6-0 win over Qatar this week.
The Celtic full-back played 90 minutes as the Canadians ran riot in a game which their opponents finished with nine players.
It was as one-sided a game as you’ll see at any World Cup, and particularly special for Johnston as it took place in his hometown of Vancouver.
Canada are now all-but qualified with four points and an excellent goal difference in Group B.
Not bad from Alistair Johnston at the World Cup… 🔥
Immense stats from Alistair Johnston’s performance against Qatar
Johnston didn’t manage a goal or assist on the day, but his performance was evidence that you have to look beyond assists to measure chance creation.
He managed a whopping six key passes, double that of any other player on the pitch.
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In terms of expected assists — if that’s your thing — his total of 1.28 was the highest recorded of any player in a game at the tournament so far.
Ange Postecoglou, the man who brought him to Glasgow, sung his praises after the game, calling him a ‘fantastic player’.
The game was overshadowed for the Canadians by a horror injury for Manu Kone, which Johnston reacted to after the game.
He said: “You feel for the kid because you saw how good he was in the first match. For us to be at our best, he’s a big part of it.
“It’s given us now something else to play for. Hopefully, we’ll be able to see him tonight at the hospital to see what kind of spirits he’s in.
“It’s going to hit him hard but at the same time I was proud of him and we’re going to play for him.
“You saw that. Nathan [Saliba] came on, he scored and the first thing he’s thinking about is Isma. And that’s what this team’s all about.”
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How Celtic players fared in their opening World Cup matches
Daizen Maeda started for Japan as they secured an impressive 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in the other game in Group F.
In the same group, however, Sebastian Tounekti was a late substitute as Tunisia suffered a humiliating 5-1 defeat against Sweden, leading to the sacking of their manager.
Tounekti and Maeda face off in the next matchday.
Hyunjun Yang, Kieran Tierney, Anthony Ralston and Auston Trusty all watched from the bench as their respective sides won their opening matches.
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