Japan Cruise to Victory in Historic 1,000th World Cup Game
Tunisia crashing out of the tournament after just two group games, piling pressure on newly appointed head coach Hervé Renard. The Frenchman had replaced Sabri Lamouchi following a 5-1 humbling by Sweden but was given just three days to prepare his squad for this decisive encounter, and that lack of preparation was glaringly evident from the first whistle.
Ueda Takes Centre Stage
In a match that will be remembered for its landmark status, it was the Japanese forward who truly illuminated the occasion. Ueda’s intelligent movement and clinical finishing proved far too much for a Tunisian defence that has now conceded nine goals in two World Cup outings. The 27-year-old opened the scoring in the 18th minute, showing great composure to slot home after a clever through ball split the backline, before doubling his tally with a towering header early in the second half.
Kamada’s strike came from a well-worked set-piece routine just before the break, driving a low shot past the goalkeeper after a clever layoff. Ito then capped off the rout with a stunning long-range effort in the 71st minute that arrowed into the top corner, leaving the Tunisian goalkeeper with no chance. Japan’s fluid attacking play was a joy to watch and underlined their credentials as dark horses in North America, with Ueda’s link-up play particularly impressing.
Tunisia’s Defensive Frailties Laid Bare
For all Renard’s tournament pedigree – he famously led FIFA World Cup history
Tunisia status: Eliminated from the tournament
Japan status: Advanced to the Round of 16
Managerial debut: Hervé Renard’s first match in charge of Tunisia
Source: The Guardian