John Herdman admits that, just for a second, he will need to pinch himself when he sends his Canada side out to face Belgium in their first men's World Cup finals game in 36 years.
Taking on the team ranked second in the world, which includes the likes of Kevin de Bruyne and Eden Hazard, is a tough task, even when your own squad includes Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David, two of the top young talents playing in Europe.
But consider Herdman's background.
A 47-year-old from the north-east steelmaking town of Consett, with no playing background, who only got into coaching when he took charge of a local under-11 team as part of his Duke of Edinburgh award when he was a teenager.
Live Reporting
Neil Johnston
All times stated are UK
Pinch yourself moment for Canada boss
Belgium v Canada (19:00 GMT)
Simon Stone
BBC Sport
John Herdman admits that, just for a second, he will need to pinch himself when he sends his Canada side out to face Belgium in their first men's World Cup finals game in 36 years.
Taking on the team ranked second in the world, which includes the likes of Kevin de Bruyne and Eden Hazard, is a tough task, even when your own squad includes Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David, two of the top young talents playing in Europe.
But consider Herdman's background.
A 47-year-old from the north-east steelmaking town of Consett, with no playing background, who only got into coaching when he took charge of a local under-11 team as part of his Duke of Edinburgh award when he was a teenager.
Read more: Canada boss says he will be pinching himself in Qatar.
Back on the world stage
Hello!
Anyone feeling World Cup fatigue yet as the games keep on rolling?
Me neither.
The 12th match in Qatar is a belter.
Canada, managed by Englishman John Herdman, are back on the world stage for the first time since 1986.
They face a Belgium side that finished third at the last World Cup and whose golden generation have one last crack at becoming world beaters.
Canada are not joking
Belgium v Canada (19:00 GMT)
Heard the one about the former PE teacher from Consett, County Durham, taking a team to the World Cup for the first time in 36 years?
This is no joke.