MONTERREY: Japan celebrated the 1,000th match in FIFA World Cup history with a dominant 4-0 victory over Tunisia in Group F on Saturday, as Ayase Ueda scored twice to send the North African side crashing out of the tournament.

Hajime Moriyasu’s men made a dream start, taking the lead in the fourth minute when Keito Nakamura cut the ball back for Daichi Kamada, who finished confidently to cap a flowing team move.

Tunisia, who suffered a 5-1 defeat to Sweden in their opening match and were playing under new head coach Herve Renard, struggled to cope with Japan’s relentless pressing and attacking movement.

Japan nearly doubled their lead in the 11th minute after another dangerous attack down the right, but Tunisia defender Dylan Bronn intercepted a low cross intended for Kamada. From the ensuing corner, goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen made an outstanding save, with goal-line technology confirming the ball had not crossed the line.

The Asian side continued to dominate possession and pinned Tunisia deep inside their own half.

Japan’s second goal came in the 31st minute when Ueda advanced to the edge of the penalty area before drilling a low shot into the far corner.

“I was disappointed in the last tournament, so I feel like I’ve finally been able to redeem myself,” Ueda said after the match.

“We managed to earn one point in a difficult first game, so winning today was essential. I’m delighted that I was able to contribute.”

Tunisia rarely threatened in attack, and Japan effectively sealed the result in the 69th minute when Kamada’s precise through ball released Junya Ito, who calmly slotted past Dahmen.

Ueda completed the scoring six minutes from time, rising to meet Kaishu Sano’s cross with a powerful header into the top corner. The goal made Japan the first Asian nation to score four goals in a FIFA World Cup match.

With regular midfielder Takefusa Kubo unavailable, Moriyasu relied on Kamada and Ito, both of whom impressed.

“I wanted Kamada to play as a shadow striker because I believed that role would bring out his strengths,” Moriyasu said.

“It worked perfectly because he scored and constantly influenced the game in the final third. His performance gave tremendous momentum to the team.”

The victory lifted Japan to four points, level with the Netherlands, who defeated Sweden 5-1 earlier in the day. Tunisia became the third team eliminated from the tournament after Haiti and Türkiye.