Japan on the brink after eliminating hapless Tunisia
Japan proved too strong for Tunisia, claiming a 4-0 victory over the African side in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group F match played at Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe, Monterrey on Sunday.
The victory moved Samurai Blue into second place in the Group F standings, level on points and goal difference with the leaders, the Netherlands, who have scored more goals. Japan's next match is a decisive clash against Sweden on 26 June.
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The Carthage Eagles, on the other hand, are eliminated from the tournament with zero points after two heavy defeats including a 5-1 loss to Sweden. Tunisia's final group game is against the Netherlands on 26 June and they will look to sign off with a win.
The Blue Samurai took the lead in the fourth minute when Daichi Kamada turned in a close-range cross from Keito Nakamura, giving Japan a 1-0 lead. This was the fastest goal in the Asian giants' World Cup history and the Carthage Eagles looked unsettled.
Ayase Ueda then doubled the lead just before the break in the 31st minute, after a precise pass from captain Ko Itakura. Japan enjoyed a 2-0 lead at the interval and Tunisia, playing their first match under coach Herve Renard, looked down and out.
After the restart, the Japanese continued to dominate the game. Junya Ito made it 3-0 in the 64th minute, sliding home a perfectly weighted chipped pass from Ueda while the Tunisian defence was exposed once again.
Ueda, who was a thorn in the Carthage Eagles' defence, completed his brace with a looping header in the 83rd minute, assisted by Kaishu Sano, sealing a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Tunisia, who had now conceded nine goals in two matches.
Tunisia (0) 0
Japan (2) 4 (Kamada 4', Ueda 31', 83', Ito 69')
Tunisia: Dahmen; Rekik, Talbi, Bronn (Ben Hamida 46'), Valery, Skhiri (Khedira 90'), Mejbri, Abdi (Achouri 90'); Saad (Gharbi 46'), Tounekti (Chaouat 64'); Slimane.
Japan: Suzuki; Tomiyasu (Seko 78'), Itakura, Hiroki Ito; Doan (Sugawara 74'), Sano, Kamada (Junnosuke Suzuki 74'), Nakamura (Yuito Suzuki 78'); Junya Ito, Tanaka; Ueda (Goto 84').
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