Japan crush Hong Kong, China in East Asian Cup

Japan secured a 6-1 victory over Hong Kong, China in the 2025 EAFF E-1 Football Championship, also known as the East Asian Cup on Tuesday.

Sun Ming Him (front) of China's Hong Kong competes during the men's match between China's Hong Kong and Japan at the EAFF (East Asian Football Federation) E-1 Football Championship 2025 Final at Yongin Mireu Stadium in Yongin, South Korea, July 8, 2025. (Photo by Jun Hyosang/Xinhua)

The reigning champion opened the scoring just four minutes into the match when forward Ryo Germain found the net with a scissor kick volley. He scored four goals within 26 minutes, completing an impressive four-goal haul.

In the 20th minute, Sho Inagaki added to Japan's tally with a powerful long-range strike. Hong Kong, China pulled one back in the 59th minute when Matt Orr headed home, marking the team's return to scoring at the East Asian Cup after 22 years.

In stoppage time, Sota Nakamura scored Japan's sixth to complete the rout.

The 2025 East Asian Cup is slated from July 7 to 16 in Suwon and Yongin of South Korea's Gyeonggi Province, featuring four men's teams: China, Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong, China. Hong Kong, China will face host South Korea in their next match on Friday.