MONTERREY — Japan moved to the brink of the World Cup knockout stage after producing a dominant 4-0 victory over Tunisia on Saturday in the 1,000th men’s World Cup match.
Ayase Ueda scored twice, while Daichi Kamada and Junya Ito also found the net as the Samurai Blue recorded the highest-scoring victory in their World Cup history.
The result lifted Japan level with the Netherlands on four points at the top of Group F, with the Dutch leading the standings on goal difference. Tunisia, meanwhile, became the first team eliminated from the group.
“If we are able to get as many goals as possible, that would give the team confidence,” Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said. “That is something we would definitely want to repeat against Sweden.”
Japan took the lead after only four minutes when Crystal Palace midfielder Daichi Kamada converted Keito Nakamura’s cross to score the fastest World Cup goal in Japanese history.
“I was thinking more about getting in front of the goal than actually creating,” Kamada said. “I’m glad I was able to do what I was aiming for.”
Ueda doubled the advantage in the 31st minute with a stunning long-range strike that flew into the corner after the striker elected not to pass to teammates making runs around him.
The Feyenoord forward, who finished as the Eredivisie’s top scorer last season, continued his impressive performance by setting up Junya Ito for Japan’s third goal in the 69th minute.
Ueda completed his brace seven minutes from time with a looping header that capped an emphatic display.
Japan have now gone unbeaten in regulation time against European opponents since 2019 and need only avoid defeat against Sweden on Thursday to secure a place in the knockout rounds.
Tunisia, under newly appointed coach Hervé Renard, failed to recover from last week’s 5-1 defeat to Sweden and struggled to create meaningful chances against Japan’s organized defense.
“It is important to get ready to fight for this third game against the Netherlands,” Renard said. “It’s never easy after two losses in two games, but we must take our responsibilities and be professionals to the very end.”
Tunisia conclude their campaign against the Netherlands in Kansas City, while Japan face Sweden in Dallas with top spot in Group F still up for grabs.
Source: Saudi Gazette