On Tuesday 8 July, SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) faced Hong Kong, China in their opening match of the EAFF E-1 Football Championship 2025 Final held at Yongin Mireu Stadium in Korea Republic.

Mirroring their setup from the AFC Asian Qualifiers, Japan opted with a 3-4-2-1 formation, which featured six debutants: KAKITA Yuki (Kashiwa Reysol) started as the lone striker, GERMAIN Ryo (Sanfrecce Hiroshima) and MIYASHIRO Taisei (Vissel Kobe) were paired as the attacking midfielders, KUBO Tojiro (Kashiwa Reysol) played as right wing-back, ANDO Tomoya (Avispa Fukuoka) as right centre-back, and PISANO Alexandre Kouto Horio (Nagoya Grampus) as goalkeeper.

Japan took control of possession early on and wasted no time in getting on the scoresheet. In the fourth minute, left wing-back SOMA Yuki (FC Machida Zelvia) delivered a precise cross that Germain controlled with his chest before striking a brilliant left-footed volley into the net. Just six minutes later, Soma provided again from the left, with Germain heading in his second goal of the match.

In the 20th minute, INAGAKI Sho (Nagoya Grampus) scored with a trademark long-range shot, giving Japan a 3-0 lead. Japan were relentless, stretching their opponents' five-man defence with slick build-up play and scoring from long-range shots.

In the 22nd minute, Germain completed his hat-trick following an excellent passing sequence. Japan’s high press initiated the play, with KOGA Taiyo (Kashiwa Reysol) threading a vertical pass through the defensive block. This was flicked on by KAWABE Hayao (Sanfrecce Hiroshima) before Kakita backheeled it into Germain’s path, who calmly slotted the ball into the net.

Four minutes later, Kubo latched onto a long diagonal pass from Soma, drove into the box and sent a low cross that Germain converted with his right foot, bringing his total to four goals. This marked a historic debut for Germain, who became the first player in 95 years to score four goals on his Japan debut, since WAKABAYASHI Takeo achieved the feat in May 1930. At the age of 30, he also became the oldest Japan debutant in the post-war era.

Holding a commanding lead at half-time, Japan made changes with YAMADA Shin (Kawasaki Frontale) replacing Kakita and NAKAMURA Sota (Sanfrecce Hiroshima) coming on for Germain. Further substitutions followed with OZEKI Yuto (Kawasaki Frontale) replacing Kawabe in the 63rd minute, and MOCHIZUKI Henry Heroki (FC Machida Zelvia) replacing Miyashiro in the 77th. These changes meant that a total of ten players made their international debuts in this match.

Although Japan's attacking tempo slowed in the second half due to fatigue and the heat, their defence, led by centre-back ARAKI Hayato (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), remained solid. They did concede once from a corner in the 59th minute but added another goal in additional time when Nakamura drove through the middle with a solo effort, penetrated the penalty area and calmly scored Japan’s sixth. Despite the challenging schedule and conditions, Japan secured an emphatic victory in their tournament opener, taking a strong step towards defending their title and claiming a third E-1 Championship crown.

Coaches and Players' Comments

MORIYASU Hajime, Head Coach of SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team)
Ahead of what was always going to be a tough opening match, the players had just two days after the weekend's J. League fixtures to travel, and we only had one meeting and one training session during that time. Yet, despite these challenging circumstances, the players prepared themselves as well as possible. They communicated effectively, focused on bringing out the best in each other and gave their all to secure the win. I would like to praise their hard work. While we did have a tactical framework in place for the match itself, what stood out was how the players showcased their individual strengths and made a concerted effort to function cohesively as a team, which led to the six goals. It was clear that the players were challenging themselves and striving to develop through this match.

GK #23 PISANO Alexandre Kouto Horio (Nagoya Grampus)
I’m really pleased to have had the opportunity to play. It was a great experience, and I want to build on it going forward. We had the ball for most of the game, so the key was how focused we could stay when the opposition countered or created chances. I felt that I and the team as a whole needed to be more vocal, and that we needed to improve the quality of our decision-making and execution in those situations. Personally, I saw both positives and negatives, and I know that I won't be able to take future opportunities unless I work on the areas I struggled with in today's match. I would like to analyse the match footage and reflect on everything in training so that I can further develop as a player.

MF/FW #13 GERMAIN Ryo (Sanfrecce Hiroshima)
(On scoring four goals) I think I was able to demonstrate how explosive I can be. In previous J.League matches, I lacked accuracy with my first shots but scoring that first goal today gave me momentum and confidence. I feel that I fulfilled my role as a striker, but Taisei (Miyashiro) was instrumental in setting up plays with great interplay alongside Soma. Kakita also worked tirelessly to disrupt the defenders. It just so happened that I was the one who put the ball in the net, but the quality of the build-up plays around me really made the difference.

MF/FW #15 INAGAKI Sho (Nagoya Grampus)
Most importantly, we won, which is what really matters. However, I feel there is still a lot for us to work on, particularly in terms of how we managed the second half and the goal we conceded. I also recognise that I personally lacked control in some of those moments. To continue being selected for the national team, I know I need to improve, particularly with regard to scoring goals and providing assists. Even today's performance, given my age and where I am in my career, is not enough. I need to have a much clearer and more significant impact on matches if I’m going to stay in the squad.

EAFF E-1 Football Championship 2025 Final Korea Republic

Tournament Date: Mon. 7 July - Wed. 16 July 2025
Venue: Yong-in Mireu Stadium (Yongin, Korea Republic)
Men's Competition: Japan, Hong Kong, China, China PR, Korea Republic
Tournament information