Japan established a 2-0 lead over Tunisia in their World Cup Group F match on June 21, 2026, in Monterrey.
The Blue Samurai dominated the first half with goals from Daichi Kamada and Ayase Ueda.
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Kamada opened the scoring within the first four minutes. He converted a cross from Keito Nakamura delivered from the right flank.
The advantage doubled after a drinks break.
Ayase Ueda controlled the ball between defensive lines and scored with an acute-angle strike from the right side.
Commentators praised the performance. Jon Obi Mikel on Fox Soccer said, "What a superb strike."
Ueda, 27, plays for Dutch club Feyenoord.
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He won the Eredivisie Golden Boot after scoring 25 goals in the league season, finishing eight goals ahead of his nearest competitor.
He is the second Japanese footballer to claim a European Golden Boot. Kyōgo Furuhashi achieved the feat with Scottish club Celtic in 2023.
The 6-foot forward previously played for Kashima Antlers and Club Brugge before moving to Rotterdam under manager Arne Slot.
He is now subject to transfer interest from English Premier League clubs including Tottenham, Brighton, Leeds, and Everton.
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His projected market value is approximately $AUD 56 million.
