When the Canadian men's national team called up Amer Didić in October of 2019, it came as a complete surprise.
Coming off the Canadian Premier League's inaugural season with FC Edmonton, a year he admitted did not go the best for the club, he was certainly not expecting to be among the 23 players called into camp for a Concacaf Nations League match against the United States.
Just the second-ever CPL player to be called up to the senior team, Didić was part of the Canada group that pulled off one of the most famous wins in recent national team history, a 2-0 victory over the United States at BMO Field on Oct. 15, 2019.
"I remember pretty much clear as day every moment," said Didić. "Leading up to the game, the win, the celebrations, and all that. It was a very, very cool moment to be part of, and obviously it set the tone for the future of the national team."
That team included several players who have gone on to become household names with the national team, including Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David, Stephen Eustáquio, Derek Cornelius and Richie Laryea.
While he didn't see the pitch against the United States, Didić impressed enough in training to receive a call-up to Canada's January camp a few months later. On the tenth of that month, he made his debut against Barbados in a friendly played in Irvine, California. Fellow CPLer Tristan Borges also made his debut that day.
Pulling on a national team shirt is a special moment in itself, a dream come true for any footballer. But after starting the match, Didić made the occasion even more memorable.
In the 63rd minute, on a corner from Liam Fraser, Didić rose high to head home Canada's third goal of a 4-1 victory. Didić made double history on the day, both as the first CPL player to appear for the senior men's national team, and the first to score.
"There's nothing better in terms of what we do, playing soccer, than representing your country," said Didić, "and putting the jersey on, especially with everything that Canada has done for my family."
Born in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Didić and his family moved to Canada when he was a toddler.
Now in his eighth season in the Canadian Premier League, playing with Cavalry FC from his home province of Alberta, Didić can't wait to watch many of the players whom he called teammates represent the country in a home World Cup.
"It's exciting for Canada, and for the fans, because it's been a long time where you're watching World Cups and Canada's not in it," said Didić. "Now two [tournaments] in a row you're cheering for your own country, and now on home soil."
