'Rival in Korea, but acknowledged' Japan is truly crazy, exploding with consecutive goals from the first half... Tunisia crushed, leading '2-0 at halftime'

*This content was translated by AI.

Japan's football is surging toward its first victory in this World Cup with fierce attacking play.

On the 21st (Korea time), Japan finished the first half leading 2-0 against Tunisia in the second group stage match of the 2026 FIFA North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup F Group, held at Monterrey Stadium in Monterrey, Mexico.

In this tournament, Japan was grouped in F with the Netherlands, Sweden, and Tunisia. Facing formidable opponents, Japan drew 2-2 with the Netherlands in the first match. It was a decent start, having secured points against a title contender and scoring a dramatic equalizer in the dying moments of the second half while trailing 1-2.

In the second match, Japan's attack truly exploded. Japan scored the opening goal just four minutes into the first half. The protagonist was 'veteran midfielder' Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace). Left wingback Keito Nakamura (Stade de Reims) successfully broke through on the left flank and passed toward the goal, where Kamada, positioned near the penalty area, calmly pushed the ball into the net.

Even after that, Japan relentlessly pressed Tunisia. In the sixth minute of the first half, forward Ayase Ueda (Feyenoord), receiving a lobbed pass, attempted a left-footed volley even from a difficult posture. However, the ball went over the crossbar.

In the ninth minute of the first half, Ueda's intense pressure paid off. Ueda won the ball inside the opponent's penalty box and delivered a decisive pass to Kamada on the opposite side. However, Tunisian center-back Dylan Bronn (Servette) threw his body forward and cleared it just in time.

Japan also created a near-goal situation in the 10th minute of the first half. Ueda's shot hit the defensive line and deflected toward the goal, but Tunisian goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen (Spaxien) made a super save, clearing the ball just before it crossed the goal line. According to video assistant referee (VAR) review, Ueda's shot was separated from the line by merely 'the thickness of a perilla leaf.' Dahmen also blocked a subsequent shot by Takehiro Tomiyasu (Feyenoord).

Continuing their relentless pressure, Japan eventually scored another goal. In the 31st minute of the first half, Ueda unleashed a powerful long-range shot from near the right side of the penalty box, opening the Tunisian goal. Japan, having shaken the opponent's defense with early pressure and quick transitions, took control of the match by scoring two goals in the first half alone.

Tunisia struggled to find any turning point. Tunisia had suffered a heavy 1-5 defeat to Sweden in their first match. Following that, the Tunisian Football Federation dismissed coach Sabri Lamouchi and appointed Hervé Renard, who had once been mentioned as a candidate for the South Korea national team coaching position, as the new head coach.

However, judging solely by the flow of the first half against Japan, a turnaround does not seem easy. Coach Renard displayed a gloomy expression several times during the match.

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*This content was translated by AI.