Japan takes initiative, opens scoring against Scotland

FS1

+2

Guadalupe, Mexico

Referee: Istvan Kovacs

Keito Nakamura (Japan) Out at 30'

Keito Nakamura (Japan) Out at 30'

The hydration break is over, and play has resumed in Mexico! Japan's expected goals value (xG) of 1.24 is already their second highest ever for the first half of a World Cup match (1.74 vs. Colombia in 2018).

The referee has paused play for a hydration break! As it stands, the Opta predictor currently favours Japan as overwhelming favourites to win this game with an 86% chance.

So far, Tunisia have created one opportunity, whereas Japan have registered four shots with one on target. It's been one-way traffic at Estadio Monterrey!

That Tomiyasu chance in the 10th minute was so close to going in, that the referee had to wait for goal line technology to confirm whether the ball had crossed the line!

Tunisia win their first corner of the contest as Saad delivers it from the right-hand side, but Itakura does well to head the danger away. Better from the North African side!

After that early Japan spell, Tunisia seem a lot more settled on the ball now. However, they have it all to do if they are to continue their World Cup journey...

TUN • Center Left Forward

JPN • Center Left Forward

JPN • Forward

JPN • Forward

JPN • Center Right Defender

0.01

Expected Goals

1.24

32%

Possession

68%

0 (0%)

Shots on Goal

2 (50%)

0

Big Chances Created

1

0

Big Chances Missed

1

52 (76%)

Accurate Passes

129 (90%)

11

Duels Won

16

1

Saves

0

2

Fouls Committed

5

4m

1h

1h

_Originally reported by [ESPN](https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/_/gameId/760449)._