Ryo Germain’s Record-Breaking Debut Lights Up Japan’s 6-1 Rout of Hong Kong in E-1 Opener

On a humid evening in Yongin, Japan kicked off their quest for a third EAFF E-1 Championship title in emphatic style, dismantling Hong Kong 6-1 with a performance full of verve, precision, and a touch of history. The undoubted star of the show was 30-year-old debutant Ryo Germain, who scored four goals in just 26 minutes—a feat not seen in Japanese national team football for 95 years.

For manager Hajime Moriyasu, it was an ideal start to a tournament approached with a heavily domestic-based squad, given the non-FIFA window. And for Ryo Germain, it was the kind of debut that legends are made of.

Lightning Start from Japan, and Ryo’s Moment of Magic

It took just four minutes for Germain, currently playing for Sanfrecce Hiroshima, to announce himself on the international stage. Meeting a pinpoint cross from left wing-back Yuki Soma, Germain controlled with his chest before rifling a volley into the far corner. Six minutes later, he added his second—again from a Soma delivery—this time rising above defenders to glance home a header.

The goals kept coming. In the 22nd minute, a flowing move involving a clever vertical pass from defender Taiyo Koga led to a crisp one-two combination in midfield, ending with Germain calmly slotting the ball in with his left foot for a debut hat-trick. Four minutes later, he latched onto a low cross from Tojiro Kubo on the right and steered in his fourth—completing an astonishing haul in just over 20 minutes of play.

In doing so, Germain became only the second player in Japanese history to score four goals on debut, following in the footsteps of Takeo Wakabayashi, who achieved the feat in 1930.

“I think I was able to show a bit of explosiveness today,” said Ryo Germain modestly in his post-match flash interview. “My teammates gave me great balls and we connected well. I’ve been really focused on my numbers, so to get a result like this is encouraging.”

Supporting Cast: Soma’s Brilliance and Debutant Breakthroughs

While Ryo Germain stole the headlines, Soma’s contribution was immense. The FC Machida Zelvia man was tireless on the left flank, delivering two assists and covering ground in both attack and defence. Former Japan internationals Shinji Ono and Yoichiro Kakitani, working as match analysts, praised his performance. “He was a difference-maker throughout,” said Ono. “A real engine and technically sharp.”

Veteran midfielder Sho Inagaki added Japan’s third goal with a thunderous right-footed strike in the 20th minute. In the second half, however, Japan’s intensity dipped slightly. A defensive lapse allowed Hong Kong to pull one back via a corner in the 59th minute, ending hopes of a clean sheet.

Enter the Wonderkid: Sota Nakamura’s Solo Statement

In added time, Japan restored the gloss thanks to another debutant: 22-year-old Sota Nakamura. Replacing Ryo at half-time, the Hiroshima forward had struggled to find rhythm until the dying moments. Then came a moment of solo brilliance—intercepting a pass, nutmegging a defender, fending off a challenge, and smashing home with his left foot.

The goal sent social media into overdrive. “That’s one for the highlight reels,” wrote one fan. “We may have just found our next star.”

A Historic Night, but Bigger Tests Await

Japan’s six-goal performance is their highest ever opening-game tally in an E-1 tournament, and the squad featured 10 A-team debutants, a sign of Moriyasu’s ongoing commitment to expanding his player pool ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The manager lauded the group post-match: “Despite the limited preparation time, the players showed great cohesion and brought their strengths to the team. The first match is always tricky, but they responded with confidence and quality.”

Still, he warned against complacency ahead of sterner challenges: “China has a lot of potential and we need to raise our level. We must be prepared and maximise what we have.”

Conclusion

In a game designed to test Japan’s depth, it was a veteran debutant and a young hopeful who provided the defining moments. Jermayne Ryo’s record-equalling four-goal blitz and Sota Nakamura’s solo stunner have sent a clear message: this Japan side, even without its Europe-based stars, means business.

Their next test comes on July 12 against a resurgent China, where consistency—and not just explosive moments—will be key.

Match Summary:

• Japan 6–1 Hong Kong
  Goals: Ryo Germain (4', 10', 22', 26'), Inagaki (20'), Nakamura (90+4'); Matt Orr (59')

• Venue: Yongin Mill Stadium, South Korea

• Man of the Match: Ryo Germain (Japan)