The goals, minute by minute
- 4'Daichi KamadaGoal · 0-1
- 31'Ayase UedaGoal · 0-2
- 69'Junya ItoGoal · 0-3
- 83'Ayase UedaGoal · 0-4
The preview
Written before the match. We've left it as it was, even where the game said otherwise.
Context
Tunisia (45th FIFA) vs Japan (18th FIFA).
Level of the teams
- Tunisia: a defensive, organized block under Sabri Lamouchi, qualified without conceding, but limited in attack.
- Japan: Asia's highest-ranked side, intense and fast in transition, in good form (beat England and Scotland in March).
Key factors
- Japan superior in dynamism, pace and combination play.
- Tunisia relies on defensive solidity and order.
- An important match for qualification in a tight group.
Prediction
Most likely result: 1-0 Japan (alternative: 2-1 Japan)
- Tunisia win: 20%
- Draw: 30%
- Japan win: 50%
Player to watch: Ayase Ueda, Japan's attacking reference.
Final verdict, Confidence: medium
Japan arrives sharper and more dynamic, a slight favorite. Tunisia is organized and can steal a draw, but a Japanese win is most likely.