World Cup: Nakamura & Japan make history, Belgium held by Iran
Japan produced an emphatic display to defeat Tunisia 4-0 in the 1,000th match in FIFA World Cup history, with Stade de Reims duo Keito Nakamura and former Rouge et Blanc winger Junya Ito both making significant contributions in Monterrey.
Nakamura was heavily involved in Japan's fast start, helping to create the opening goal after just four minutes. The Reims forward found space down the left-hand side and drilled a dangerous low ball into the penalty area, with the delivery eventually finding its way into the net via Daichi Kamada. The 24-year-old continued to stretch the Tunisian defence throughout the first half with his direct running and intelligent movement.
Japan take control of Group H
Ito spent two-and-a-half successful seasons at Reims before joining Belgian side Genk last summer, and the winger would score Japan's third goal after 69 minutes, expertly timing his run to meet Ayase Ueda's flick-on before calmly finishing beyond Aymen Dahmen. Ito's pace and movement consistently troubled Tunisia's back line and helped Japan maintain their tight grip on the contest.
Ueda scored twice and Kamada also found the net as Hajime Moriyasu's side secured the largest World Cup victory in Japan's history. For Nakamura and Ito, however, it was another reminder of the influence Ligue 1 talent continues to have within the Samurai Blue setup as Japan moved a step closer to the knockout stages.
For Tunisia, it was another decisive defeat which sees the Eagles of Carthage eliminated from the World Cup. Experienced French manager Hervé Renard was called upon following the sacking of Sabri Lamouchi after Tunisia's 5-1 loss to Sweden.
"We’re here to salvage our pride," said Renard after the game, who will manage Tunisia's final match at the 2026 World Cup against the Netherlands. "There were far too many shortcomings in defence and in terms of aggression for us to have any hope of achieving anything.
The likes of Ali Abdi, former PSG man Ismael Gharbi, and Lorient's Montassar Talbi will be travelling home after two successive losses by a four-goal margin.
Belgium draw with Iran
The day proved less positive for Ligue 1 representation elsewhere. LOSC Lille defender Nathan Ngoy was shown a straight red card after 67 minutes during Belgium's 1-1 draw against Iran. The centre-back was dismissed for pulling back Mehdi Taremi after a costly mistake in possession left the Iranian striker through on goal. Reduced to 10 men, Belgium were forced to settle for a point, leaving their qualification hopes hanging in the balance heading into their final group-stage fixture.
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