Japan produced a dominant display to defeat Tunisia 4-0 in the 1,000th World Cup match, eliminating the North African side and sending a statement of intent in Group F. Ayase Ueda starred with a brace, while Daichi Kamada and Junya Ito also found the net in Monterrey.
Ueda inspires Japan to landmark victory
The Feyenoord centre-forward Ayase Ueda led the line with intelligence and imagination, scoring twice and creating opportunities for his teammates. His first goal came after 31 minutes, when he received the ball in space, turned, and fired through the legs of Montassar Talbi into the bottom corner. His second was a clever looping header that left Tunisia's defence flat-footed.
Japan's manager Hajime Moriyasu praised his side's focus: "The players didn’t get too caught up in the opponent and were able to fully show what we wanted to do."
Tunisia's woes continue under new coach
Tunisia, who sacked Sabri Lamouchi after a 5-1 defeat to Sweden, appointed Hervé Renard as their seventh manager since qualifying began. Renard, a two-time Africa Cup of Nations winner, had only three days with his players and could not prevent another heavy defeat. "We were hoping for a better reaction, a better performance," he said. "Unfortunately the score was heavy, but this reflects the difference between the teams."
Renard made three changes, including goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen replacing Mouhib Chamakh, but Tunisia were never in the game. Japan opened the scoring within four minutes, as a low cross from Keito Nakamura cannoned in off Daichi Kamada's heel.
Japan's tactical tweaks pay off
Moriyasu made four changes from the side that drew 2-2 with the Netherlands, including tactical adjustments that saw Japan press forward in waves. They should have had a penalty inside 70 seconds when Ueda was clipped by Ellyes Skhiri, but the referee and VAR did not intervene. Despite this, Japan dominated, with Takehiro Tomiyasu's deflected shot clawed away by Dahmen a millimetre from crossing the line.
Ito added a third after 69 minutes from Ueda's flick, played onside by Mohamed Amine Ben Hmida. Ueda's looping header completed the scoring, leaving Renard looking broken on the sidelines.
A historic milestone for the World Cup
This match marked the 1,000th in World Cup history, beginning in 1930 in Montevideo. Japan's victory was the largest for an Asian side in the tournament's history. The match was watched by Princess Hisako, widow of Prince Norihito, who attended the game in the VIP box.
Renard, who has accepted roles with aspirant nations in Africa and the Middle East, seemed resigned after the defeat. He is likely to be under pressure ahead of Tunisia's final group game against the Netherlands on Thursday.
