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.
Meeting with the Galaxy Corps in 2003
【Match Information】
Suntory Dream Match
FC Tokyo 0-3 Real Madrid
After the 2002 World Cup, it's Real Madrid next.
The "El Blanco" (Spanish for "white", the nickname for Real Madrid) had become a major boom in Japan, regardless of the observations of the soccer industry. While the increase in popularity among the core audience can be attributed to the frequent broadcast of overseas soccer on satellite TV, another factor contributing to the boom was the fact that David Beckham had gained nationwide popularity leading up to the previous World Cup, making him familiar to the general public.
In such a match against a world-renowned popular club, FC Tokyo has secured tickets for SOCIO. Annual ticket holders were able to obtain tickets that are difficult to obtain, and headed to our home, the National Stadium.
Amidst the atmosphere inside the stadium and the media coverage that leans towards the other side, and unfortunately in the rainy weather, the blue and red warriors on the pitch were fired up.
Starting lineup: Yoichi DOI, Akira KAJI, Teruyuki MONIWA, Ryuji FUJIYAMA, Jo KANAZAWA, Fumitake MIURA, Masashi MIYAZAWA, Mitsuhiro TODA, Kelly, Yuta BABA, Yoshiro ABE.
On the other hand, Real Madrid had Ronaldo, Raul, Figo, and Casillas on the bench, with Zidane absent. However, Beckham, Makelele, and Roberto Carlos started and faced the match with a lineup that did not shame the name of the Galacticos.
In the first half, Tokyo fought hard in a heavy atmosphere. In the 10th minute, Kelly's looping shot had a decisive scent, but it did not go into the frame. Not being able to score during the dominant period had an impact, and Real Madrid, who changed from a single defensive midfielder to two, took control.
And in the 37th minute of the first half, Beckham, who was the main attraction for fans and supporters of Tokyo, scored a direct free kick, sealing their fate. They went on to concede two more goals, resulting in a bitter defeat.
The AFC Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup have been established as regional and global club championships, respectively, and with the current congested schedule, opportunities to encounter this type of pre-season match by big European clubs have become rare. However, the significance of experiencing the top of the world at that time was still great.
It was a special night that could be called the origin of Tokyo, which aims to rise to higher heights in Asia and the world.
Text by Katsu Goto (Freelance Writer)
