The East Asian Football Federation E-1 Championship opened in South Korea with contrasting fortunes for the region’s heavyweights. Japan’s men routed Hong Kong 6–1 on 8 July in Yongin, while Japan’s women beat Chinese Taipei 4–0 the following day in Suwon. Host South Korea began its women’s campaign with a 2–2 draw against China after a stoppage-time equaliser. Hajime Moriyasu’s experimental men’s side needed only 26 minutes to settle the contest. Forward Ryō Germain, making his senior debut, struck four times—matching a feat last achieved by a Japanese debutant 95 years ago. Japan, ranked No. 15 by FIFA, will face China on 12 July. Japan’s seventh-ranked women, seeking a third straight E-1 title, dominated 42nd-ranked Chinese Taipei as first-timers Momoka Yagata and Haruka Takikawa scored on debut. The clean sheet was the team’s first in seven matches. South Korea’s women were less satisfied. Coach Shin Sang-woo lamented a missed opportunity after his 21st-ranked side out-shot No. 17 China 12-6 but twice had to come from behind. Ji So-yun salvaged a point in the 94th minute after earlier goals from China’s Yao Wei, South Korea’s Jang Sel-gi and China’s Shao Ziqin. South Korea next meet Japan on 13 July.