Japan marked the 1,000th. game in World Cup history with a commanding 4-0 win over Tunisia in Group F on Saturday as Ayase Ueda scored twice to send the North Africans out.
Hajime Moriyasu’s side, who drew 2-2 with the Netherlands in their opening game, went ahead after four minutes when a sweeping attack ended with Keito Nakamura cutting the ball back for Daichi Kamada to score.
Tunisia, beaten 5-1 by Sweden in their first game and playing under new coach Herve Renard, struggled to cope with Japan’s pressure and moves from the start.
Japan almost doubled their advantage in the 11th minute with an attack down the right flank, Tunisia’s Dylan Bronn turning a low cross away from Kamada.
From the resulting corner, Tunisia goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen produced a fine save, with goal-line technology confirming that the ball had not crossed the line.
Moriyasu’s side continued to dominate possession, their front line ravaging Tunisia’s defense and preventing Renard’s side from establishing any rhythm in the Monterrey heat.
The second goal came in the 31st minute when Ueda advanced towards the edge of the box and, with Tunisia’s defense backed up, drove a low shot into the far corner.
“I was disappointed in the last tournament, so I feel like I’ve finally been able to redeem myself,” Ueda told Japanese media.
“We managed to grab a point in the first game, which was a tough game, so we needed three points in today’s game to build on that. I’m very happy that I could contribute to that.”
Tunisia made little reply and Japan put the result beyond doubt in the 69th minute, Kamada’s pass opening up the Tunisian defense and Junya Ito driving clear to finish low past Dahmen.
Ueda completed the brace six minutes from time, meeting Kaishu Sano’s cut-out pass long after and steering a superb header into the top corner as Japan became the first Asian team to score four goals in a World Cup match.
Japan turned to Kamada and Ito with midfielder Takefusa Kubo on the sidelines and manager Moriyasu said they did not disappoint.
“As for the players I used in building the team, they were at the center of all our efforts. I have brought Kamada as a defensive midfielder, but tonight I wanted him to be in the role of a shadow striker,” the coach told reporters.
“I thought it would bring out the best in him. It really worked because he scored a goal today. He wasn’t just a focal point. He went straight into the final third and his play definitely gave strong momentum to the team.”
With the win, Japan joins the Netherlands on four points after the Dutch beat Sweden 5-1. Tunisia became the third side to be eliminated from the tournament after Haiti and Turkiye.
