Hong Myung-bo's nervousness caused a stir in Japanese soccer, making his debut port trick in 95 years as a mixed-race goaltender...flowers blooming at the age of 30
Jul 09, 2025
|
|
Jermain Ryo (30) of Sanfrecce Hiroshima led Japan to a 6-1 victory with a solo blast of four goals in the first leg of the 2025 EAFF E-1 Championship against Hong Kong at Yongin Mir Stadium on the 8th.
Germain, who was selected for the first time for the Japanese national team ahead of the tournament, scored consecutive goals with a volley first goal in the fourth minute of the first half, a header goal in the 10th minute of the first half, a one-touch left-footed shot in the 22nd minute of the first half, and a right-footed shot in the 26th minute of the first half. In his debut match for the national team, he wrote 'Fortric', and also 'Perfect Hat-Trick', using all body parts, and clearly impressed the Japanese national team coach Hajime Moriyasu. Germain said "The first goal got me moving"
He also broke various records. The first goal in the fourth minute of the first half was recorded as the oldest debut goal (30 years and 80 days) in the history of the Japanese national team. He also scored four goals in 95 years since Takeo Wakabayasu in 1930.
Moriyasu debuted 10 players (including replacements) in Japanese history based on a single game, the most notable of which was by far Jermain. Speaking to Japanese media after the game, Germain said "Now I think my name will be remembered. I'm happy to show my finishing ability and explosive power."
|
|
|
Born to an American father and a Japanese mother, Germaine is considered a typical atmospheric star. He made his professional debut at Begalta Sendai in 2017 and did not stand out while playing for Yokohama FC and Jubiloywata. He has never been selected as a representative of a common Japanese youth.
Germain, who led the team to promotion by scoring nine goals in the J2 League in the 2023 season, scored a Japanese-record 19 goals in the J1 League in the 2024 season, achieving a 'career high'. The overall score ranking was tied for third after Andersson López (24 goals) and Leo Ceara (21 goals).
Germain, who moved to Sanfrecce this year, scored six goals in 25 matches, including the Cup, and received Moriyasu's 'Pick' preparing for the East Asian Cup. Germaine said "I'm old, I don't have much experience in international stage, but I decided to do my best with my long career as a professional." Japan selected three mixed-race players at the tournament: Germain, Canadian goalkeeper Pisano Alexandre (Nagoya), and Nigerian defender Hirokhi (Machida). Suzuki Zaion (Parma), Japan's main goalkeeper who played in the A-match in June, and Shinsung midfielder Fujita Joel Chima (Jangkt Pauli) are also mixed-race Ghanaian and Nigerian players, respectively.
Germain is being pointed out as Hong Myung-bo's No. 1 guard in the upcoming Korea-Japan war. Asked about the 2026 World Cup in North Korea and the U.S., a year away, he said, `I'm not thinking about the future yet. I'm just thinking about contributing to the championship."
Japan, which ranked first in the men's category at the East Asian Cup, will play China on the 12th and then play the final match against South Korea on the 15th.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
