On Saturday 12 July, SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) faced the China PR National Team at Yongin Mireu Stadium in the EAFF E-1 Football Championship 2025 Final Korea Republic.

While Japan kept the same 3-4-2-1 formation as in their opening match against Hong Kong, China, they fielded a completely different starting eleven. HAYAKAWA Tomoki (Kashima Antlers) started in goal, with TSUNASHIMA Yuto (Tokyo Verdy), UEDA Naomichi (Kashima Antlers), and NAGATOMO Yuto (FC Tokyo) in defence. MOCHIZUKI Henry Heroki (FC Machida Zelvia), UNO Zento (Shimizu S-Pulse), TANAKA Satoshi (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), TAWARATSUMIDA Kota (FC Tokyo), SATO Ryunosuke (Fagiano Okayama), and HARA Taichi (Kyoto Sanga FC) occupied the midfield while HOSOYA Mao (Kashiwa Reysol) started as the lone striker.

Although there were some early misplaced passes, Japan gradually settled into the game. In the 11th minute, they took the lead with a well-executed move when Tanaka delivered a sharp vertical pass, which Hosoya controlled under pressure with his right foot. He then turned quickly and struck a powerful shot with his right foot, finding the back of the net.

Having secured an early lead, Japan showcased solid defensive organisation, anchored by the three-man backline and goalkeeper. Nagatomo, who played as the left centre-back, made his first appearance for the national team in two years and eight months, since the match against Croatia at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. Ueda, playing at the heart of the three-man defence, was making his first appearance in almost four years, since the AFC Asian Qualifiers against Oman in September 2021. Despite their limited experience of playing together in a back three, they marshalled the defence effectively.

A potentially dangerous moment arose in the 17th minute when Hosoya pressed back and Ueda's attempted pass after winning the ball was intercepted, allowing China PR a shot on goal. However, Hayakawa produced a superb save to keep the clean sheet intact. From that point on, Japan maintained their defensive composure, allowing few chances.

At the start of the second half, INAGAKI Sho (Nagoya Grampus) and GERMAIN Ryo (Sanfrecce Hiroshima) were introduced in place of Tanaka and Hara as Japan pushed for a second goal.

Their efforts paid off in the 64th minute. Tawaratsumida carried the ball out from his own half and passed it to the right. After passing through Inagaki, the ball found Mochizuki, who cut inside onto the edge of the penalty area and shot with his left foot. The shot deflected off a defender and nestled in the back of the net, doubling Japan's lead.

Japan secured their second consecutive win with a 2–0 victory in this match. Five players — Hayakawa, Tsunashima, Tanaka, Uno and Hara — made their international debuts in this fixture. Despite the newcomers, Japan demonstrated their quality and depth with a composed and convincing performance.

Coaches and Players' Comments

MORIYASU Hajime, Head Coach of SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team)
The players prepared well. It was a very tough match, but they continued to work hard and stay composed even during difficult moments, showing resilience which led to today's result. We changed the entire line-up from the first match in order to instil our team principles in a broader group of players. It was very encouraging that the players accepted this challenge and tried to build on it despite its difficulty. As a team, we planned to play with both a back three and a back four. We told the starting players that we would primarily use a back three system but would shift to a back four when needed. Our coaches communicated that we would change our approach based on our matchup with China PR, and the players adapted well on the pitch.

DF #25 TSUNASHIMA Yuto (Tokyo Verdy)
I positioned myself high up the pitch to get involved in our attacks, which I think is one of my strengths. Although I can still improve, I also spotted the open space well and made some good vertical passes. Overall, I am positive about my offensive performance. There are things to work on defensively, but I demonstrated my strengths, especially in one-on-ones and interceptions. It was the first time since university that I shared the pitch with Henry (Mochizuki), and playing alongside him in the national team now makes me feel incredibly fortunate. To continue competing at this level alongside Henry, I know I need to keep improving.

MF/FW #2 MOCHIZUKI Henry Heroki (FC Machida Zelvia)
It was an incredible feeling. I’m happy with my goal, of course, but more importantly, it came at a time when we were struggling in the game. Scoring that second goal was crucial. Initially, I had planned to receive the ball and quickly pass it into the space between the goalkeeper and the defenders, but the passing lane was cut off, so I decided to cut inside and shoot instead. Recently, I have realised how tough and demanding it is to be selected to play for the national team. That’s why I’m so grateful to have been selected again. We still have the match against Korea Republic to come, and I hope I can continue to contribute to the team.

MF/FW #10 HOSOYA Mao (Kashiwa Reysol)
I had been communicating with Satoshi (Tanaka) and told him to always keep an eye forward. At that moment, he spotted me really well, and that allowed me to take a good first touch and get the shot off. I had already decided that if I managed to control the ball with my first touch, I would take a shot right away. I figured that any ball delivered into that space would have to come in with a fast pace, and he delivered it perfectly. I’ve been familiar with his style of play since our time together at the Paris Olympics, and I’ve always found it easy to link up with him.

EAFF E-1 Football Championship 2025 Final Korea Republic

Tournament Date: Mon. 7 July - Wed. 16 July 2025
Venue: Yong-in Mireu Stadium (Yongin, Korea Republic)
Men's Competition: Japan, Hong Kong, China, China PR, Korea Republic
Tournament information