Tunisia became the first African nation to crash out of the World Cup after a comprehensive defeat to Japan confirmed their elimination from the tournament.
The North Africans’ campaign unravelled further following a turbulent week that saw them suffer a 5-1 loss to Sweden, part ways with coach Sabri Lamouchi and appoint former Saudi Arabia manager Herve Renard as his replacement.
Any hopes of a revival were quickly dashed as Japan struck inside four minutes in Guadalupe, Mexico, with Crystal Palace midfielder Daichi Kamada finishing off a swift counter-attack to hand the Asian side an early advantage at Monterrey Stadium.
It did not take long for a dominant Japan side to inflict a second blow as Ayase Ueda produced a lovely finish to arrow the ball through the legs of a defender and into the far corner from the edge of the box.
Tunisia looked devoid of ideas for much of the game and gifted Japan ample space, which they used to display their free-flowing possession-based style.
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Junya Ito added another when he rolled a simple finish past Tunisia goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen after being threaded through one-on-one.
Ueda wrapped up victory when he tucked a looping header into the far corner.
Japan were constantly a cut above and were never threatened by a Tunisia side who were pedestrian and had every attack easily neutralised.
Japan have four points and are likely at least to progress as one of the best third-placed sides, but they will hope to earn a guaranteed spot in the last 32 when they take on Sweden on Friday in their final group game.
Tunisia play the Netherlands, who are top of the group, at the same time.
