Japan delivered a clinical performance on Saturday, dismantling Tunisia 4-0 in their Group F match to move one step closer to securing a spot in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the fourth consecutive time.

The resounding victory marks Japan's highest-ever goal tally in a World Cup match, leaving the Samurai Blue level with the Netherlands on four points at the top of the group standings.

The match proved to be a difficult outing for Tunisia, who had recently appointed two-time Africa Cup of Nations-winning coach Hervé Renard in a bid to revitalize their campaign following a 5-1 opening loss to Sweden.

Despite the coaching change, the North African side struggled to contain Japan’s pace and failed to mount any significant offensive threat throughout the contest.

With this defeat, Tunisia has been eliminated from the tournament, while Japan is now guaranteed at least a third-place finish, a result that keeps their hopes of reaching the round of 16 alive.

Japan’s momentum began immediately when Daichi Kamada found the net in the fourth minute.

The strike, which came after he tapped in a cross from Keito Nakamura, secured his second goal of the tournament and officially became the fastest World Cup goal in Japanese football history.

The lead was doubled in the 31st minute through Ayase Ueda, who showcased his individual quality with a superb long-range effort.

Driving forward from midfield, the 27-year-old Feyenoord striker—who led the Dutch Eredivisie with 24 goals last season—curled an angled shot into the left corner.

Ueda remained instrumental in the second half, providing the flick in the 69th minute that released Junya Ito, who calmly beat goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen in a one-on-one scenario to make it 3-0.

Ueda eventually capped off his impressive performance in the 83rd minute by scoring his second of the game with a looping header.

Japan remains unbeaten in regulation time against European opponents since 2019 and will head into their final group stage match against Sweden in Dallas on Thursday with significant momentum.

Meanwhile, Tunisia will conclude their tournament run against the Netherlands in Kansas City on the same day.

Source: AP