MONTERREY, Mexico (AP) — Japan secured a commanding victory over Tunisia, winning 4-0 in their Group F match at the World Cup. This win marked Japan’s fourth consecutive advancement towards the knockout stages. The Samurai Blue’s four-goal feat stands as their record high for goals in a World Cup game.

Ayase Ueda demonstrated striking prowess by netting two goals, accompanied by Daichi Kamada and Junya Itō, each scoring. This triumph places Japan at par with the Netherlands, both tallying four points. However, due to goal differences, the Dutch lead the group standings.

Tunisia’s loss ensures their elimination from the tournament. Japan’s guaranteed third place in the group provides a favorable position to advance to the knockout stages.

Kamada started the scoring early with a fourth-minute goal, marking the fastest in Japan’s World Cup history. Set up by Keito Nakamura’s cross, Kamada was perfectly situated to tap in his second tournament goal.

Ayase Ueda scored his first in the 31st minute, driving into Tunisia’s box and executing an impressive angled shot from outside, landing the ball perfectly in the net’s left corner. Ueda, the Feyenoord striker, excelled in the Eredivisie, becoming the league’s top scorer with 24 goals.

Junya Itō added a third for Japan in the 69th minute with precision, having received a deft flick from Ueda and successfully facing off against Tunisia’s goalkeeper, Aymen Dahmen, in a one-on-one.

Ueda crowned the evening with his second looped header in the 83rd minute, sealing an impressive performance from Japan.

Japan’s unbeaten streak against European rivals stretches back to 2019. Their next challenge is against Sweden in Dallas on Thursday. Meanwhile, Tunisia will meet the Netherlands in Kansas City concurrently.