Japan kicked off its World Cup campaign with a bang Tuesday as Daichi Kamada found the net inside the opening 10 minutes, handing the Samurai Blue an early lead over Tunisia. The goal, a composed finish after a slick build-up, set the tone for a dominant first half and raised hopes that this Japanese side could make a deep run in the tournament.
Kamada's early strike
The Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder collected a pass just outside the area, spun past a defender, and slotted the ball low into the corner. The Tunisian goalkeeper got a hand to it but couldn't keep it out. It was the kind of clinical finish that Japan has sometimes lacked on the biggest stage — and it came at exactly the right moment.
Japan controlled possession after the goal, pressing high and forcing Tunisia into mistakes. The early lead let them dictate the pace, something manager Hajime Moriyasu has stressed in the buildup. “We wanted to start fast and put pressure on them,” Moriyasu said after the match. “The goal was a reward for that intensity.”
A statement of intent
This wasn't just any opener. Japan came into the tournament as a side that often impresses in the group stage but has struggled to break into the quarterfinals. Tuesday's performance suggested that ceiling might be higher this time. The speed of the passing, the defensive organization — both looked sharp against a Tunisian team that never really settled.
If Japan can maintain this form, they could challenge traditional powerhouses like Germany and Spain, who are also in their group. The early goal sent a message: Japan is not here to make up the numbers.
Japan's next match comes against Germany on Saturday. Germany dropped points in their own opener, meaning this group is wide open. A win against the four-time champions would put Japan in the driver's seat for the knockout rounds. The Tunisia victory gave them the platform — now they have to build on it.
Kamada's goal was just the start. The real test begins this weekend.
