Ueda stars as Japan end Tunisia's World Cup with dominant win

Japan delivered a ruthlessly punishing performance to thrash Tunisia 4-0 in Guadalupe, ending the African side's World Cup before it really got going.

Herve Renard was parachuted in to the head coach role following a 5-1 defeat to Sweden in Tunisia's first outing, replacing the sacked Sabri Lamouchi, but the same problems persisted. Their second offering was arguably worse than their first.

Renard, appearing at his third World Cup as a coach after leading Morocco and Saudi Arabia, was unable to mastermind the kind of result that earned him international recognition on the world stage - his Saudi Arabian team famously beat Argentina in 2022.

But Japan, ranked 37 places higher, were far from obliging opponents for a boss five days into a new job. Their intensity smothered Tunisia, much more organised and clinical, with their confidence best displayed by four classy goals.

Keito Nakamura picked out Daichi Kamada to round off a sweeping move for the opener before Ayase Ueda arrowed a spectacular second. After the break, Ueda turned provider for a clever third, giving Junya Ito the chance to beat Aymen Dahmen in a one-on-one. Every goal had a team aspect to it.

Kaishu Sano combined with Ueda to put the gloss on the scoreline late on as Tunisia's hopes of a revival faded into obscurity. Their tournament has been a disaster. Japan, meanwhile, move level on points and goal difference with the Dutch in Group F.

And such an unforgiving display should draw attention. Perhaps Hajime Moriyasu's well-drilled side lack the kind of world-class talent other nations boast, but few will match their intensity. In terms of dark horses, Japan are a strong shout to make a real impact this summer.