The Japanese national team is favored to defeat Tunisia this Saturday. Tunisia will be making its debut under new head coach Hervé Renard of France in the second match of Group F, which will be played in Monterrey, Nuevo León.
The match between the Asian and African teams holds special significance, as it will be the 1,000th game in the history of the World Cup, which began in 1930.
Japan is confident in its talent
Coach Hajime Moriyasu’s team, which drew 2-2 against the Netherlands in its opening match, is among the teams that could pull off an upset at this World Cup.
The Japanese are, in principle, the better team thanks to their speed and dynamism in midfield.
It is led by Takefusa Kubo, who stands out for the disruption he causes in opposing defenses and his ability to break through defensive lines.
Kubo’s effectiveness is enhanced by his partnership with Ritsu Doan, who shines thanks to his one-on-one skills.
And the run down the wing to reach the end line and set up Ayase Udea (Filed under: Japan vs. Tunisia).
Hervé Renard Takes the Reins in Tunisia
Across the way, Tunisia, which, following its opening match—a 5-1 loss to Sweden—saw a change in leadership with the dismissal of head coach Sabri Lamouchi.
He was replaced by Hervé Renard in a desperate attempt to get the team back on track in this World Cup.
Lamouchi was fired for poor tactical management, which left the team vulnerable.
They were unable to respond to the Swedes, which really dampened the players’ spirits.
Match 1,000 in the history of the World Cups
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Last Wednesday, during his presentation, Renard gave his players a rousing speech to boost their morale.
And to rid them of the “victim” label they carry going into the match against the Japanese.
“Where is your pride and character? This is your homeland, this is your nation.”
“It’s the World Cup—you have to put the last score behind you and bounce back. You’re lucky to be here.”
The coach rallied his players (Filed under: Japan vs. Tunisia).
Probable Lineups
Tunisia: Mouhib Chamakh; Ali Abdi, Yan Valery, Montassar Talbi, Omar Rekik, Amine Ben Hamida; Rani Khedira, Ellyes Skhiri, Anis Slimane, Hannibal Mejbri; Elias Saad.
Head Coach: Hervé Renard.
Japan: Zion Suzuki; Shogo Taniguchi, Hiroki Ito, Tsuyoshi Watanabe; Daichi Kamada, Kaishu Sano, Keito Nakamura, Ritsu Doan, Daizen Maeda, Takefusa Kubo; Ayase Ueda.
Head Coach: Hajime Moriyasu.
Referee: Istvan Kovacs, from Romania.
Time: 10:00 p.m. (4:00 a.m. GMT).
Stadium: Monterrey, in Monterrey, Nuevo León, in northern Mexico.
With information from EFE
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