Tunisia national football team manager Herve Renard announced on Friday that his squad requires at least one point against Japan to maintain chances of advancing to the World Cup knockout stage.
The newly appointed French manager, who replaced Sabri Lamouch following a 5-1 opening match defeat against Sweden, cited the recent scoreless draw between Cape Verde and Spain as a primary source of motivation.
"It gives us hope," Renard said, according to an Associated Press report from Monterrey, Mexico.
Renard's Message to His Team
The 57-year-old manager previously directed Morocco during the 2018 tournament and led Saudi Arabia during the 2022 competition before taking over the Tunisian squad less than one week prior to the Group F fixture.
"When you are organized and united, you can compete. We have to follow this example and not be afraid of defeat," Renard stated.
The upcoming opponent, Japan, holds the 17th position in the FIFA world rankings and enters the match on an undefeated streak extending back to September 9, 2025.
"I have met with an open-minded group," Renard noted regarding his initial roster assessments.
Tunisia has participated in seven World Cup tournaments but has never successfully advanced past the group stage in its competitive history.
"They want their revenge. We know we must give everything against this Japanese team," Renard added.
The manager achieved previous international success by securing Africa Cup of Nations titles with Zambia in 2012 and Ivory Coast in 2015.
"I am no magician," Renard stated.
The French strategist minimized personal influence on the tactical outcome ahead of Saturday's match.
"The coach is not the key; the key is the players," Renard declared.
Japan national team manager Hajime Moriyasu indicated that his staff prepared for an adjusted tactical approach from the African nation following the recent management transition.
"Renard will get the best out of his players," Moriyasu said.
Moriyasu stands as the longest-serving manager in the history of the Japanese national football program.
"Without a doubt, he is motivating the players.
I am sure that is reflected in his talks with the team, so we are prepared to face a completely different team," Moriyasu stated.
