Japan dismantles Tunisia 4-0 in World Cup's 1000th match, sending African side out

A milestone match, a one-sided contest

Japan marked the 1000th World Cup fixture with a performance that matched coach Hajime Moriyasu's pre-match promise of a brilliant occasion. Before Princess Hisako Takamado and Fifa president Gianni Infantino in Monterrey, the Samurai Blue were ahead inside four minutes and never let Tunisia settle. Daichi Kamada turned in Keito Nakamura's low cross, and from there the match became a showcase of Japan's sharp passing and constant movement.

“He and his players would make sure it's a brilliant match, worthy of being the 1000th of the World Cup.”

Tunisia's coaching gamble fails immediately

Tunisia arrived under a new coach after firing Sabri Lamouchi following a 5-1 loss to Sweden. Herve Renard, who had guided Morocco and Saudi Arabia at previous World Cups, was given four days to rebuild a fragile defence. The early evidence was damning. Japan found gaps with ease, and only a goal-line clearance by goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen prevented a second goal in the 10th minute. Renard, open-collared and shouting from the touchline, could do little to slow the onslaught.

Three distinct finishes and a double for Ueda

Ayase Ueda doubled the lead just after the half-hour, running unchallenged and burying a shot from the right of the area. After the break Japan eased off but remained clinical. Junya Ito made it 3-0 in the 69th minute after a two-pass move sliced Tunisia open. Ueda completed his brace late on, looping a header over two defenders on the line. The four-goal margin is the largest an Asian side has ever recorded in a World Cup finals match.

Injuries forgotten, a Round of 32 spot in reach

Japan lost Karou Mitoma, Takumi Minamino, Wataru Endo before the tournament and then Takefusa Kubo to a knee injury in the opener. Yet an evolving attack is carrying them. Nakamura, a Reims winger, has scored against the Netherlands and assisted here. According to projections, Japan now need only to avoid defeat against Sweden to book a Round of 32 berth. Tunisia, already eliminated regardless of their final game against the Dutch, will finish last in Group F.