'What if we played Japan now?' Park Ji-sung: "Japan is currently ahead; Korea is fluctuating" — The eternal captain's painful assessment

*This content was translated by AI.

Park Ji-sung (45), a JTBC commentator, acknowledged Japan's development and upward momentum in football.

On the 21st (Korea time), Japan secured a decisive 4-0 victory over Tunisia in the second group stage match of the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup, Group F, held at Monterrey Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico.

After drawing 2-2 with the Netherlands in the first group match, Japan's win today placed them second in the group with one win and one draw (four points). Even a draw against Sweden in the final group match would secure their advancement to the Round of 32 as the group runner-up. Moreover, Japan achieved a historic feat by scoring four goals in a single World Cup match, the first time an Asian nation has done so.

In the first half, Japan took early control when Nakamura Keito's cutback from the left side of the penalty area was finished by Kamada Daichi with a sensational shot in the 4th minute. Then, in a counterattack in the 31st minute, Ueda Ayase received a forward pass from Itakura Ko and scored with a sharp right-footed mid-range shot, widening the gap.

Japan maintained their offensive pressure throughout the second half. In the 24th minute, Ito Junya, receiving a pass from Ueda, scored a decisive right-footed goal, crushing Tunisia's hopes of a comeback. In the 38th minute, Ueda completed his brace, sealing the 4-0 victory. Japan completely dominated Tunisia, allowing not a single shot on target.

While praising Japan's performance during his broadcast of the match, Park Ji-sung offered a harsh assessment of the South Korean national team.

Commentator Park Ji-sung said about Japan's performance, "I could clearly see why Japan has been able to play well against strong teams while preparing for the World Cup and how much they have improved compared to the past." He added, "The match felt nothing like a World Cup game; it was so relaxed it felt like a friendly. Each player clearly understood their role and executed it impressively."

He emphasized that Japan's upward trajectory is the result of long-term development. Park Ji-sung explained, "There are nearly 100 Japanese players currently playing in Europe. It is impressive that they have not suddenly become good but have grown steadily over time to reach their current position." He also added, "This also means that we too can achieve such growth. We hope the Woo Ri (CEO) team will show another side in their remaining matches."

When asked by caster Bae Seong-jae to compare the strength of the two nations ahead of a potential Korea-Japan match, Park diagnosed, "Japan has already shown the form they prepared for and is maintaining it quite well, whereas Korea is highly inconsistent, constantly rising and falling."

He continued, "It is regrettable that despite having so many excellent players, Korea has been unable to maintain a consistent level of performance." He answered frankly, "There will certainly be changes depending on future matches, and we will need to see more games to know for sure, but at this point, it is accurate to say that Japan is ahead."

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*This content was translated by AI.