Fred Varcoe

TOKYO: Japan beat Tunisia 4-0 in their second game of the FIFA World Cup in Moneterrey, Mexico, on Saturday thanks to goals from KAMADA Daiichi, two from UEDA Ayase and one from ITO Junya.

Japan got off to the perfect start when they were allowed to walk through the Tunisian defense in the fourth minute and a low cross from the left by NAKAMURA Keito was turned in by Crystal Palace midfielder Kamada.

In the early part of the game, Japan put pressure on Tunisia with some long balls and came close to doubling their lead 10 minutes late when TOMIYASU Takehiro flicked the ball and Tunisia goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen kept the ball out with millimeters to spare.

Tunisia, who sacked their manager Sabri Lamouchi after the 5-1 defeat to Sweden in their opening game, gradually settled into the game but failed to force Japan goalkeeper SUZUKI Zion make a save in the opening half.

Japan kept pressing forward and in the 31st minute Tunisia allowed Ueda space to move forward and he slammed the ball home from 20 meters with a diagonal shot into the left-hand corner.

Needing to create more attacking options, Tunisia manager Herve Renard made two changes at halftime and his team seemed to have more energy at the beginning of the half, while Japan tried to slow the game down.

Japan finally sparked into life again in the 69th minute after a brilliant ball over the Tunisian defense by Kamada found Ito,who easily slipped the ball past the Tunisian keeper.

Japan went 4-0 up in the 84th minute when a cross from the right by SANO Kaishu was finished with a lobbed header from Ueda.

As in the first half, Japanese keeper Suzuki had little to do against a weak Tunisian attack. 

Japan moved up to second in Group F but equal on four points with leaders the Netherlands. Sweden are third with three points, while Tunisia have zero points and failed to advance to the knockout stages.