Japan secured a dominant 4-0 victory over Tunisia in the 1,000th World Cup match, eliminating their opponents from the tournament. Ayase Ueda scored twice, with Daichi Kamada and Junya Ito also finding the net, as Japan produced the largest victory for an Asian side in World Cup history.
Tunisia's struggles continue under new coach
Tunisia sacked Sabri Lamouchi after a 5-1 defeat to Sweden and appointed Hervé Renard as their seventh manager since qualifying began. However, the change did not improve results. Renard, who had only three days with his players, admitted the team lacked defensive organization. "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."
Japan's fast start
Japan took the lead within four minutes when Keito Nakamura's low cross deflected off Daichi Kamada's heel into the net. Japan should have had a penalty earlier when Ueda was clipped by Ellyes Skhiri, but the referee and VAR did not intervene. Despite this, Japan dominated the first half, with Takehiro Tomiyasu having a shot cleared off the line and Aymen Dahmen making a crucial save.
Ueda's brilliance
Ueda doubled Japan's lead in the 31st minute, turning and firing through the legs of Montasser Talbi. After the break, Japan conserved energy but added a third through Ito after Ueda's flick, with Mohamed Amine Ben Hmida playing him onside. Ueda completed his brace with a looping header, leaving Renard "broken," according to reports.
Landmark match
The match was the 1,000th in World Cup history, beginning in 1930 with simultaneous matches in Montevideo. Japan's Hajime Moriyasu praised his team: "The players didn't get too caught up in the opponent and were able to fully show what we wanted to do." Tunisia now face the Netherlands in their final group game, but Renard's future is uncertain.
