Finally, on April 29 (Friday, holiday), Tokyo will compete in the first J-League match at the Japan National Stadium.
Before the renovation of the National Stadium, many official matches were held since the first year of joining the J-League. There were memorable super plays and impactful events. Since the long-awaited title was won, Tokyo has won all titles at the National Stadium, symbolizing the deep connection between Tokyo and the National Stadium.
Our National.
Before taking a new step at National, let's look back at the footprints and memories left at National along with photos from that time.
2006 Legendary Goal that Remains in History
【Match Information】
2006 J.League Division 1 Sec. 19
FC Tokyo 5-1 Avispa Fukuoka
In August 2006, two league matches were held at the Japan National Stadium on Wednesday nights, making it convenient for business people returning from work.
On August 23, during the J1 League Sec. 19 match against Avispa Fukuoka, the atmosphere somehow reminiscent of the past welcomed the newly appointed coach Hisao KURAMATA on the bench. The previous coach, Garo, resigned after the defeat in Sec. 17 against Urawa Reds, and the new system had been in place since the 15th.
Coach Kuramata, who was an advisor during Kiyoshi OKUMA's era, emphasizes quick transitions. Three days ago, in Sec. 18 against JEF United Chiba, they achieved their first victory after a shootout. The situation of facing Fukuoka in the first match at National that year is exactly the same as in the 2000 season.
Will the members on the pitch be able to respond to the stands that are hoping for the Tokyo whirlwind once again?
Despite the back-to-back matches with only two days in between, and even though it's summer, the starting lineup remains unchanged from the previous match. The defense line has changed significantly over the past six years, but Ryuji FUJIYAMA was there as a side back. Satoru ASARI was in the defensive midfield. It was none other than FUJIYAMA's opening goal that set the stage for the 5-1 victory, while still evoking memories of his time at Tokyo Gas.
The flow up to that point was certainly not good. In the 22nd minute of the first half, Fukuoka's Mitsunori Yabuta was sent off. Tokyo gained a numerical advantage, but struggled to attack against an opponent that solidified their defense with the typical "same old, same old". However, in the 35th minute, from a throw-in, Lucas smoothly brought the ball in and made a superb pass to Fujiyama, who shot! This itself resulted in a deflection, but he followed up on the rebound, and this ball hit the opponent again and went into the goal.
It was close to an own goal, but the official record remains unchanged. Fujiyama's first goal in J1, a memorable moment on National soil, is etched in Tokyo's history as the only goal in his career in the J1 league.
In the second half, Fukuoka switched to a 3-4-2 formation, taking risks and equalized for a moment by scoring one goal. However, they then persistently attacked and added four more goals. The final goal was scored by Yoshiro ABE, who had come on as a substitute after breaking his nose in the previous match.
Fujiyama, who had the opportunity to play in Kuramata Tokyo, said, "I played with the thought of not wasting the chance given to me." It was an intense match that raised the signal for revival both as a team and as an individual.
Text by Katsu Goto (Freelance Writer)
