Monterrey: Japan produced a dominant display to defeat Tunisia 4-0 in the 1,000th match in FIFA World Cup history, moving to the brink of qualification for the knockout stage while ending Tunisia’s campaign in Group F.

The Samurai Blue got off to a dream start, opening the scoring just four minutes into the match when Daichi Kamada tapped home from close range after a low cross from Keito Nakamura.

Japan doubled their advantage in the 30th minute as Ayase Ueda fired a powerful shot into the far corner, giving the Asian side a comfortable lead heading into halftime.

The Japanese continued to control proceedings after the break. Ueda turned provider for the third goal, delivering a lofted pass that Junya Ito converted, before the striker completed his brace with a well taken header from a deep cross.

With the emphatic victory, Japan became the first Asian nation to score four goals in a FIFA World Cup match.

The result lifted Japan to four points, level with the Netherlands in Group F, and left them on the verge of securing a place in the last 16.

For Tunisia, the defeat marked a second straight loss and confirmed their elimination from the tournament.

Playing their first match under new head coach Herve Renard following a heavy 5-1 defeat to Sweden, Tunisia became the third team to exit the World Cup after Haiti and Turkey.