EAFF Championship
Ryo Germain starred with four goals in the first half as Hajime Moriyasu’s defending champions made a strong statement.
The two-time winners meet China PR on Saturday, while Hong Kong, China will face an acid test when they face Korea Republic on Friday.
Japan asserted control from the start and their dominance was rewarded in the fourth minute through Ryo Germain, who controlled Yuki Soma’s cross with his chest before volleying home past a rooted Yapp Hung Fai.
The Sanfrecce Hiroshima forward doubled his tally six minutes later after Soma raced into the box before sending a well-timed cross into the box, which Germain headed home.
Japan increased their tally in the 20th minute after Sho Inagaki struck a powerful shot from distance past Yapp.
Hong Kong, China fell further behind just two minutes later with Germain completing his hat-trick after Japan moved up a notch with some slick passing display before the 30-year-old finished from just above the box.
Japan added their fifth in the 26th minute with Germain finishing off a well orchestrated move from close range.
Hong Kong, China came back fighting in the second half and reduced the deficit in the 59th minute through Matt Orr’s header via Tan Chun Lok’s corner.
Substitute Lau Ka Kiu almost doubled Hong Kong, China’s tally in the 80th minute but his curled effort came off the right post while at the other end, Tomoya Ando had a header ruled out for offside 10 minutes later.
Sota Nakamura, who came on for Germain at the start of the second half, added the sixth for the Samurai Blue in the fourth minute of added time after powering his way through the Hong Kong, China defence before shooting past Yapp.
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