Ueda Double Powers Japan Into World Cup Contention

Japan delivered an impressive performance to defeat Tunisia 4-0 on Saturday and move closer to securing a place in the World Cup knockout stage.

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As a result, Hajime Moriyasu’s side celebrated the 1,000th match in World Cup history with a convincing victory in Group F.

Ayase Ueda scored twice, while Daichi Kamada and Junya Ito also found the net.

Meanwhile, Tunisia exited the tournament after suffering a second consecutive defeat.

Japan Make a Fast Start

Japan immediately imposed pressure and took the lead after only four minutes.

A smooth attacking move ended when Keito Nakamura cut the ball back and Kamada finished confidently.

After that, Tunisia struggled to contain Japan’s movement and intensity under new coach Herve Renard.

Soon afterwards, Japan nearly doubled their lead through another dangerous attack down the right side.

However, Tunisia defender Dylan Bronn blocked the low cross before Kamada could connect.

Then, from the resulting corner, goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen produced an excellent save and goal-line technology confirmed the ball stayed out.

Ueda Extends Japan’s Control

Even so, Japan continued to dominate possession and maintained constant pressure.

Eventually, the second goal arrived in the 31st minute.

Ueda carried the ball towards the edge of the area and then struck a precise low finish into the far corner.

After the match, Ueda said he felt pleased to contribute after disappointment in the previous tournament.

Furthermore, he explained that Japan needed all three points after earning only one point from their opening fixture.

Tunisia Fail to Recover

Although Tunisia attempted to respond, they created very few meaningful chances.

Consequently, Japan remained in control for most of the contest.

In the 69th minute, Kamada delivered a well-timed pass through the defence and Ito raced forward before calmly finishing.

Then Japan added a fourth goal to complete the rout.

This time, Kaishu Sano delivered a clipped cross to the far post and Ueda directed a superb header into the top corner.

As a result, Japan became the first Asian nation to score four goals in a World Cup match.

Tactical Changes Deliver for Japan

Because midfielder Takefusa Kubo missed the game, Moriyasu adjusted his tactical approach.

Therefore, the coach pushed Kamada into a more advanced role.

According to Moriyasu, the decision created momentum and allowed Japan to attack more effectively.

Moreover, he praised Kamada’s movement and influence in the final third.

Japan now sit level on four points with the Netherlands, who defeated Sweden 5-1 earlier in the day.

Meanwhile, Tunisia became the third team eliminated from the tournament after Haiti and Turkey.