Japan took a major step toward the World Cup knockout stage with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Tunisia on Saturday.
Ayase Ueda scored twice, while Daichi Kamada and Junya Ito also found the net as the Blue Samurai delivered a commanding performance.
Kamada opened the scoring just four minutes into the match before Ueda doubled Japan’s advantage in the first half.
Tunisia struggled to cope with Japan’s slick passing and attacking movement throughout the encounter.
Ito added a third goal after the break before Ueda completed his brace with a late header.
The defeat ended Tunisia’s hopes of reaching the last 32 and marked a disappointing start for new coach Herve Renard.