Japan, after a comprehensive win, will be hoping to guarantee a spot in the last 32 when they take on Sweden on Friday in their final group game.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Tunisia, on Sunday, suffered a second heavy defeat after they were annihilated 4-0 by Japan in a World Cup group game played at the Estadio Monterrey, Mexico.
Following a tumultuous week in which they suffered a 5-1 defeat by Sweden, the North African nation sacked Sabri Lamouchi and appointed ex-Saudi Arabia boss Hervé Renard as head coach.
However, it took less than four minutes for them to go behind to an impressive Japan side, who were well-drilled throughout.
The deadlock was broken by a quick counter-attack, which ended with Crystal Palace’s Daichi Kamada prodding home from close range.
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The Asian nation doubled their advantage 27 minutes later when Ayase Ueda produced a lovely finish, arrowing the ball through the legs of a defender and into the far corner from the edge of the box.
Junya Ito added another when he rolled a simple finish past Tunisia goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen after being threaded through one-on-one.
Ueda wrapped up the victory against a Tunisian side who looked devoid of ideas, tucking a looping header into the far corner.
With this comprehensive win, Japan now have four points but will be hoping to guarantee a spot in the last 32 when they take on Sweden on Friday in their final group game.
Tunisia, having now crashed out of the tournament ahead of the knockout stage, will play the Netherlands—who currently top the group—at the same time.
