Japan crush Tunisia 4-0 in 1,000th World Cup match as Ueda shines with double

Lightning start

Japan took the lead after just four minutes when Daichi Kamada bundled in a low cross from Keito Nakamura. Tunisia, still reeling from a 5-1 defeat by Sweden in their opener, were immediately on the back foot. A goal-line clearance by Dylan Bronn and a fingertip save from goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen prevented an even wider margin before the half-hour mark.

Ueda's double

Ayase Ueda doubled the lead in the 31st minute, driving a low shot from the edge of the area into the far corner. The Feyenoord striker then turned provider, lifting a pass for Junya Ito to finish calmly and make it 3-0 in the 69th minute. Ueda headed in his second goal with seven minutes remaining, making Japan the first Asian team to score four in a World Cup match.

New coach, familiar result

Tunisia had sacked Sabri Lamouchi after the Sweden loss and drafted in Hervé Renard for his third World Cup with a third different team. The change brought no uptick. Tunisia failed to register a shot on target and have conceded nine goals across two matches, ending their tournament with a game to spare.

We still have a third game to play, we are at a World Cup and must remain focused. We must be professionals to the very end.

Group F picture

Japan move level with the Netherlands on four points, but sit second because the Dutch have scored one goal more after their 5-1 win over Sweden. Sweden have three points and face Japan next Thursday, while Tunisia, already eliminated, meet the Netherlands.

The 1,000th World Cup fixture was played in Monterrey, where legend figures Sergio Ramos and Hristo Stoichkov were among the crowd. Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu praised his side's aggression.

We prepared well for what we wanted to do and played aggressively.