It was the 1,000th match in World Cup history and Japan celebrated the landmark by clinching a commanding 4-0 win over Tunisia in Group F on Saturday, with Ayase Ueda scoring twice as the North Americans crashed out of the tournament.
After drawing 2-2 with the Netherlands in their opening match, Hajime Moriyasu’s side made a perfect start in Monterrey. Just four minutes into the game, a flowing move ended with Keito Nakamura cutting the ball back for Daichi Kamada, who calmly finished to give Japan the lead.
Tunisia, who had already suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat to Sweden in their first match and were playing under new coach Herve Renard, struggled from the beginning. Japan’s high pressing and quick movement made it difficult for them to settle into the game.
Japan nearly doubled their lead in the 11th minute with another dangerous attack down the right wing. But Tunisia defender Dylan Bronn did well to intercept a low cross that was heading towards Kamada.
Moments later, from the resulting corner, Tunisia goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen produced an excellent save. Goal-line technology confirmed that the ball had not crossed the line.
Japan continued to control possession and dictate the tempo. Their forwards constantly pressured Tunisia’s defenders, preventing them from building attacks or finding any rhythm in the hot conditions.
The second goal came in the 31st minute. Ayase Ueda carried the ball towards the edge of the penalty area and, with the Tunisian defenders backing off, fired a low shot into the far corner.
Tunisia offered very little going forward and Japan effectively sealed the victory in the 69th minute. Kamada threaded a pass through the defence, allowing Junya Ito to race clear and finish calmly past Dahmen.
Ueda completed the rout six minutes from time. He met Kaishu Sano’s cross at the far post and guided a superb header into the top corner.
The goal also made history, as Japan became the first Asian nation to score four goals in a World Cup match.
The victory moved Japan onto four points, level with the Netherlands, who earlier thrashed Sweden 5-1. For Tunisia, the defeat confirmed their elimination from the tournament, making them the third team to exit after Haiti and Turkey.
