Just's rise from Austrian second tier to World Cup breakout star

Just's rise from Austrian second tier to World Cup breakout starTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.This video can not be playedFigure caption, 'Sensational' - Motherwell's Just scores World Cup double for New ZealandByNick McPheat, BBC Sport Scotland and George O'Neill, BBC Sport ScotlandPublished28 April 2026Updated 1 minute agoThere was a brief moment during Elijah Just's first Motherwell start that only intensified the doubt among an unconvinced home support at Fir Park.Built with a diminutive physique that can see players written off quickly in Scottish football, he went in for a shoulder challenge against a hardy Peterhead midfielder.Boing. The little New Zealander bounced off the part-time player from the third-tier side as the top-flight club attempted to fight back from a goal down.Those early feelings that much of the Motherwell fanbase shared about the 26-year-old mirrored the wider anxiety about whether the brand of football manager Jens Berthel Askou was trying to implement could work in Scotland.Less than a year later, the Danish coach has jumped to Toulouse in Ligue 1, while Just is scoring on football's grandest stage after a standout season at club level.BBC Scotland charts a rapid rise that has taken the attacking midfielder from second-division football to World Cup breakout star.Just scores twice but New Zealand held by IranWorld Cup fixtures and group standings'A memory that'll last me forever'When Just signed for Motherwell from Danish side Horsens last summer, there was no huge excitement or anticipation.Despite his international experience, he had only played one season of top-flight football since leaving New Zealand for Europe in 2019. He had spent the campaign before last in the Austrian second division, on loan at SKN St Polten.However, the 26-year-old lit up the Scottish Premiership last term. He was voted into the PFA Scotland team of the season and shortlist...