Alistair Johnston helped Canada make history with a thumping 6-0 win over Qatar, but the Celtic defender’s comments after the match said just as much about his character as the result did.
Canada were outstanding on the night, picking up their first men’s World Cup win in emphatic fashion. For Johnston, it was another huge moment in a career that has grown rapidly since he arrived at Celtic.
The right-back has become a key player for club and country, bringing the same intensity and drive to Canada that Celtic supporters see every week. But after the full-time whistle, his thoughts were not on the scoreline. They were with teammate Ismael Kone, who suffered a serious injury during the match.
Speaking after the game, Johnston said: (The National), “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 came on, he scored and the first thing he’s thinking about is Isma. And that’s what this team’s all about.”
That is Johnston summed up. He is a fierce competitor, but also a dressing-room leader who understands the bigger picture. Canada had just won 6-0 at a World Cup, yet he immediately turned the focus to a teammate who could not finish the game.
It will not surprise Celtic supporters. Johnston has always played with that mix of aggression, honesty and team-first mentality. He gets through his work, takes responsibility and speaks like someone who knows what standards are expected.
Canada boss Jesse Marsch also spoke warmly about Kone after the match.
Marsch said: “Ismael is such a great kid.
“He’s so imperfect but that’s why you love him.
“He can do great things and the next moment he loses concentration. He embodies a lot of what the team is. It’s a huge loss for us.
“He’ll be fine, we’ll get him good doctors. He’s got a big future and he’s a big part of everything we’ll do.”
For Johnston, the focus now turns to helping Canada build on a landmark win while dealing with the emotional blow of losing an important player.
Celtic fans will have watched the result with pride. Johnston is not just involved at this level, he is an important voice in a Canada side trying to make a serious mark at the World Cup.
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