No Magic for the Wizard in the white shirt as Japan Smashes Four Past Herve Renard’s Reshuffled Tunisia
Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 21.06.26. | 09:16
Japan's sharp attacking patterns left the newly-appointed Hervé Renard scrambling for answers on the Tunisian bench
Under the lights of Monterrey, Japan delivered a masterclass in tactical discipline and transitional precision, dismantling a shell-shocked Tunisia 4-0 to underline their dominance in Group F.
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It was a display defined by the Samurai Blue's signature slow-to-quick tempo, patiently circulating possession through their back three before triggering razor-sharp attacking patterns that left newly appointed Tunisia coach Hervé Renard scrambling for answers on the bench.
Japan wasted no time setting the tone, puncturing the Carthage Eagles' defensive lines almost immediately after kickoff. In just the fourth minute, a sweeping and incisive move down the left channel unlocked the Tunisian backline.
Daichi Kamada timed his run to perfection, meeting a neat cross and side-footing the ball past Aymen Dahmen.
A swift VAR review confirmed the goal, instantly deflating Tunisia's game plan.
While Tunisia attempted to lean on Yan Valery's booming long throw-ins in search of an aerial response, Japan's defence remained resolute.
The Samurai Blue comfortably dictated territory and possession, shifting gears in an instant.
In the 31st minute, the pressure told again, as a beautiful passage of interplay in the final third carved open the Tunisian defence. Ayase Ueda created a pocket of space with a brilliant stepover, leaving his marker trailing before firing a clinical effort that took a slight deflection on its way into the net to make it 2-0.
Tunisia emerged from the interval with a noticeably improved defensive shape, working hard to clog passing lanes and track Japanese runners.
Yet despite their industry, and a few energetic bursts from second-half substitute Ismaël Gharbi, the North African side simply could not bypass Ao Tanaka, who patrolled midfield like an omnipresent vacuum.
As the match entered its final third, Japan tightened their grip once more.
Their control of possession and territory gradually squeezed the life out of Tunisia's resistance, with the Samurai Blue continuing to probe for openings while rarely looking troubled at the other end.
In the 69th minute, any lingering hopes of a Tunisian fightback were decisively extinguished.
Blistering winger Junya Ito, who had been tormenting full-backs all night with his explosive runs, capitalised on a quick attacking sequence to smash home Japan’s third goal of the match.
Things took a turn for the worse when Japan added a fourth with Ueda scoring his second of the game, a looping header into the bottom-right corner.
With four goals, a clean sheet, and an exhibition of complete tactical control, Japan cruised deeper into the tournament, while Tunisia now face a massive uphill battle to salvage their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands.
Group F
Saturday 20.06.
Netherlands - Sweden 5-1 (2-0)
/Brobbey 5, 17, Gakpo 47, 54, Summerville 89 - Elanga 59/
Sunday 21.06.
Tunisia- Japan 4-0 (2-0)
/Kamada 4, Ueda 31,83, J.Ito 69/