Finally, on April 29th (Fri, holiday), Tokyo will have its first J-League match at the new Japan National Stadium.
At the National Stadium before the renovation, we have played many official matches since our first year in the J-League. There were memorable super plays and impactful events. Since winning our long-awaited title, Tokyo has won all titles at the National Stadium, symbolizing the deep connection between Tokyo and the National Stadium.
Our National Stadium.
This is TOKYO.
Before taking a new step at the National Stadium, let's look back at the footprints and memories we have left at the previous National Stadium with photos from that time.
J1 in the beginning of 2000 had 3 consecutive wins at home National Stadium
[Match Information]
2000 J.League Division 1 1st Stage Sec. 2
FC Tokyo 2-0 Avispa Fukuoka
2000 J-League Division 1 1st Stage Sec. 3
FC Tokyo 2-1 Nagoya Grampus Eight
2000 J-League Division 1 1st Stage Sec. 5
FC Tokyo 3-2 Júbilo Iwata
Until the opening of Tokyo Stadium (currently known as Ajinomoto Stadium), the National Stadium served as the temporary home stadium for Tokyo for one year.
A team made up mostly of players who have been with the team since the JFL era defeated Yokohama F.Marinos and won against Avispa Fukuoka in their first game at the Japan National Stadium, taking the top spot. The Tokyo whirlwind began here.
By the way, the guest for the home opening game was "Haruichiban" who is known for imitating Antonio Inoki, but this was a countermeasure to Kashima Antlers inviting the real Inoki as a guest at the same National Stadium a week ago, and the parody spirit became a big topic.
In addition, in the following Shimizu S-Pulse match, the Tokyo goal end will also receive a spring call from Ryuzo MORIOKA, who looks like Haruichiban (the first strong wind of spring) (Morioka responded with a wry smile?).
In the second game at National Stadium, Nagoya Grampus was defeated in extra time in the third round. Stojkovic said, "Tokyo surprised us."
After riding a wave of three consecutive victories, Tokyo stumbled in the fourth round at Kashiwa Reysol's home ground, suffering a frustrating extended defeat. And in the fifth round, upon returning to the National Stadium, they were met with yet another dramatic match that they couldn't afford to stumble in again.
After twice catching up with Júbilo Iwata, who surpasses with their dominance, TUTO finally turned the tables in front of the supporters who watched with bated breath when Amaral scored a penalty kick in the 38th minute of the second half. At the stage where one-third of the 1st stage has been consumed, they have succeeded in an unexpected start by defeating the three strongest teams of Yokohama, Nagoya, and Iwata.
Unfortunately, the final ranking was 6th place. Although they achieved 5 consecutive wins at the start of the 2nd stage, they then suffered 7 consecutive losses with a draw in between. They managed to win the last 2 games and finish in 8th place, but it was a daily struggle at National Stadium that made them feel the rewards and challenges of their newly promoted status.
In the opening match of the 2nd stage on June 24th, current scout Toshiki KOIKE scored his first goal in the J1 league with a long shot, fulfilling his promise on the TV show "Bamo! FC Tokyo" to "score a 25m shot".
Text by Katsu Goto (Freelance Writer)
