Japan mark World Cup's 1,000th match with Tunisia victory
Japan moved closer to a place in the Round of 32 with a commanding 4-0 victory over Tunisia in the 1,000th match in World Cup history.
Ayase Ueda scored twice, while Daichi Kamada and Junya Ito were also on target as the Samurai Blue moved level with the Netherlands on four points at the top of Group F.
Tunisia, who were beaten 5-1 by Sweden in their opening match, can no longer qualify for the knockout rounds.
Japan, who held the Netherlands to a 2-2 draw in their Group F opener, were in control throughout at Monterrey Stadium.
The result marked a losing start for new Tunisia head coach Herve Renard, who was appointed after Sabri Lamouchi was dismissed in the wake of the defeat to Sweden.
But Renard's side never looked capable of troubling a technically accomplished Japanese team that quickly settled into their rhythm.
Kamada opened the scoring after just four minutes, finishing from close range following neat interplay between Ao Tanaka and Keito Nakamura.
Japan almost doubled their lead moments later, but a desperate goal-line clearance from Dylan Bronn denied them a second.
Tunisia goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen was also called into action, clawing away an effort that looked destined to cross the line.
Japan eventually added to their tally in the 31st minute when Ueda capitalised on hesitant defending before driving a low finish into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.
The Samurai Blue continued to dictate proceedings after the break. Ito latched onto a superb through ball to finish calmly in the 69th minute before Ueda completed his brace with a looping header seven minutes from time.
