MONTERREY – Japan produced a dominant display to defeat Tunisia 4-0 in their Group F fixture on Saturday, with Ayase Ueda scoring twice as the North Africans became the latest team to be eliminated from the World Cup.
The victory came in the tournament’s 1,000th match and lifted Japan to four points from two games, alongside the Netherlands, who earlier defeated Sweden 5-1.
Japan made a dream start, taking the lead in the fourth minute after a flowing team move. Keito Nakamura cut the ball back from the left for Daichi Kamada, who finished comfortably to put Hajime Moriyasu’s side ahead.
Tunisia, who suffered a heavy defeat to Sweden in their opening match and were playing under newly appointed coach Herve Renard, struggled to deal with Japan’s high pressing and quick passing throughout the contest.
Japan came close to doubling their advantage shortly afterwards before Tunisia goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen produced a crucial save from a corner, with goal-line technology confirming the ball had not crossed the line.
The second goal arrived in the 31st minute when Ueda advanced towards the edge of the penalty area and fired a low effort into the far corner, giving Dahmen little chance.
Tunisia rarely threatened in attack and Japan continued to control possession after the break. Their third goal came in the 69th minute when Kamada’s through ball split the Tunisian defence and Junya Ito raced clear before calmly finishing past Dahmen.
Ueda completed the scoring six minutes from time, meeting Kaishu Sano’s far-post delivery with a powerful header into the top corner.
The result made Japan the first Asian side to score four goals in a World Cup match and left Tunisia without a point from their opening two games.
Tunisia became the third team to be eliminated from the tournament after Haiti and Turkiye.
