Ueda double sends Japan surging as Tunisia exit in the World Cup's 1,000th match

Japan brushed aside Tunisia 4-0 at the Estadio Monterrey in a fixture billed as the 1,000th match in World Cup history. The result confirmed Tunisia's elimination and propelled Japan level at the top of Group F with the Netherlands.

A record-quick start

Daichi Kamada opened the scoring after just four minutes, finishing from close range following slick interplay involving Ao Tanaka and Keito Nakamura. It was the fastest goal ever scored by a Japanese player at a World Cup and set the tempo for a dominant night.

Ueda takes centre stage

Ayase Ueda drilled home from the edge of the area in the 31st minute, Junya Ito finished a fine through ball in the 69th, and Ueda completed his brace with a looping header in the 83rd. Tunisia, reeling from their opening loss to Sweden, never threatened a comeback.

For Japan, the comprehensive win underlined their credentials as serious contenders, while Tunisia's tournament ended with one match still to play.