Japan Edges Closer to World Cup Knockout Stages With 4-0 Victory Over Tunisia

Japan advanced towards the World Cup knockout stages after defeating Tunisia 4-0 in Group F. This win marked Japan’s record for the most goals scored in a World Cup match, with Ayase Ueda netting twice and Daichi Kamada and Junya Itō contributing to the victory.

Japan’s triumph places them on par with the Netherlands in terms of points, though the Dutch lead the group with a higher goal count across matches.

Tunisia’s defeat results in their exit from the tournament. Japan secures at least the third spot in the group, potentially paving their way to the knockout rounds.

“Ayase Ueda scores Japan’s fourth goal with a header against Tunisia during the World Cup match in Guadalupe.” — Matias Delacroix / AP Photo/Matias Delacroix

Following Tunisia’s opening loss to Sweden with a score of 5-1, coach Hervé Renard was brought on board to salvage their campaign. Despite his credentials as a two-time Africa Cup of Nations winner, Tunisia struggled against Japan’s fast-paced attack and found themselves unable to produce significant scoring opportunities.

Kamada set the pace by scoring in the fourth minute, marking the fastest goal for Japan in World Cup history. Positioned well for Keito Nakamura’s cross, Kamada tapped in his second goal of the tournament seamlessly.

Ueda’s moment came in the 31st minute as he drove from midfield towards Tunisia’s goal. Although he bypassed passing opportunities, his accurate, angled shot from outside the box landed in the net’s left corner. With a solid club season, Ueda shone as Feyenoord’s top scorer, hitting 24 goals in the Eredivisie.

The 69th minute saw Junya Itō’s goal, courtesy of Ueda’s assist, putting him in a face-off with Tunisia’s goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen, which he executed with poise.

Ueda rounded off Japan’s scoring with an exceptional header in the 83rd minute, marking his second goal of the night.

Japan, showing resilience against European teams since 2019, is set to face Sweden in Dallas. Concurrently, Tunisia will go head-to-head with the Netherlands in Kansas City.