Alistair Johnston: How Canadian media reacted to Celtic star's display in knockout win vs South Africa

Celtic defender Alistair Johnston featured throughout on Sunday as Canada left it late to beat South Africa 1-0 and reach the World Cup's last 16.

Stephen Eustaquio found the net in the 92nd minute to put the co-hosts through, volleying in a superb effort from the edge of the box.

Jesse Marsch's side will learn who their opponents in the next round will be on Tuesday, when the Netherlands and Morocco face off.

Johnston has enjoyed an impressive World Cup so far, featuring in every minute of every game Canada have played.

It has been a remarkable return to fitness for the right-back, who only made it back from a serious hamstring injury at the end of April.

The 27-year-old was injured in August, missing almost nine months of action for Celtic.

Canadian media hail Alistair Johnston

South Africa would ultimately end Sunday's game having taken just one shot on target throughout.

Much of the underdogs' threat came from shots taken outside of the box, with Canada posing much of the danger.

Johnston was called into action repeatedly to close down and shut out Oswin Appollis, however, and he did so effectively.

The right-back won three duels and completed five recoveries, also registering three clearances and an interception.

On the ball, Johnston also completed a successful dribble and eight passes into the final third, in what was an impressive display.

Canadian outlet Sportsnet rated the Celtic man an eight out of 10 for his display.

"Back to his usual self against South Africa, Johnston was one of Jesse Marsch’s best players on this day," Devang Desai wrote.

"With eight passes into the final third, the Vaughan Azzurri product gave his opposite number Aubrey Modiba and company all they could handle."

What Johnston said after dream Canada moment

Canada have only ever played at the World Cup on three occasions, with the other two coming in 1986 and 2022.

In Qatar, the North Americans were handed an impossibly hard group and lost all three games to Belgium, Croatia and Morocco.

In Mexico in 1986 they did not have it easy either, losing to France, Hungary and the Soviet Union.

This World Cup has been one for history, with Marsch's team securing the first point against Bosnia and Herzegovina, their first win against Qatar and now their first knockout win against South Africa.

Speaking to Visa after the game, Johnston said: "It's a moment of magic - a moment where you'll never forget where you were."

The Canadians will go into the round of 16 as massive underdogs, but they have earned the right to dream.