Japan thrashes Hong Kong in EAFF E-1 Football Championship

Japanese striker Ryo Germain, who made his senior team debut, scored four goals in 22 minutes to hand his side command of the encounter.

Japan started its title defence at the EAFF E_1 Football Championship with a comprehensive 6-1 win against Hong Kong at the Yongin Mireu-Stadion in South Korea on Tuesday.

Japanese striker Ryo Germain, who made his senior team debut, scored four goals in 22 minutes to hand his side command of the encounter.

The 23-year-old opened Blue Samurai’s account in the 4th minute and went to score in 10th, 22nd and 26th minute of the match.

Hong Kong trailed 0-5 at the break with midfielder Sho Inagaki scoring the other goal.

In the second half, Hong Kong displayed a resolute performance and got on to the scoresheet in the 59th minute via striker Matt Orr. However, that was just a mere consolation.

In the final minute of added-time, substitute Sota Nakamura made it six for the defending champion.