After a heavy 5-1 defeat to Sweden, Tunisia needed to respond quickly. Japan, meanwhile, had earned a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands and were aiming to make the most of their technical control to gain the upper hand in the race to qualify.

Japan prevailed by quickly imposing their tempo, opening the scoring as early as the 4th minute through Daichi Kamada, well set up by Keito Nakamura. Japan’s dominance was confirmed with a second goal from Ayase Ueda in the 31st minute, assisted by Ko Itakura. Tunisia never managed to turn the tide and struggled as the minutes passed, conceding two more goals in the second half.

In the second half, Junya Ito scored Japan’s third goal in the 69th minute, converting a pass from Ayase Ueda. Ueda then completed his double in the 83rd minute, taking advantage of an assist from Kaishu Sano. Despite several changes made by Hervé Renard, the Eagles of Carthage found no solution against Japan’s defensive solidity and fluid attacking play.

Tunisia lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation under Hervé Renard, notably starting defenders Dylan Bronn, Montassar Talbi and Omar Rekik, as well as midfielder Ellyes Skhiri. In attack, Hannibal Mejbri and Sebastian Tounekti were named in the starting line-up, but without success.

Japan’s Tactical and Attacking Control

Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu also set up in a 3-4-2-1, highlighting a balanced organization. Zion Suzuki was in goal, supported by a defence featuring Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ko Itakura and Hiroki Itō. In midfield, Kaishu Sano, who provided an assist, and Ao Tanaka provided the link, while Keito Nakamura supplied the attacking trio of Junya Ito, Daichi Kamada and Ayase Ueda.

The fluidity of Japan’s passing exchanges and the variety of their attacking options allowed them to take control of the match quickly and maintain their pressure throughout the contest. Their many accurate passes (491 passes at an 80% success rate) stifled Tunisia’s ambitions, with the Tunisians failing to put a single shot on target in the first half.

With this victory, Japan take an important advantage in the race to qualify from Group F, while Tunisia will now have to respond in their upcoming matches.