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.
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.
International Titles Brought by Men Who Knew the World in 2010
[Match Information]
Suruga Bank Championship 2010 TOKYO
FC Tokyo 2 (4PK3) 2 Liga de Quito
The 2010 Suruga Bank Championship, which was played by the winner of the 2009 Nabisco Cup (now known as the "YBC Levain Cup"), and the winner of the J.League Cup/Copa Sudamericana Championship (now known as the "J.League Cup/Copa Sudamericana Champion Decision Match"). At the time, it was still a relatively new tournament in its third year, but it held great significance for Tokyo.
Since its founding, the club has had a mission to "someday compete in Asia and the world" as the capital's club. Participation in international friendly matches such as Real Madrid and AS Roma, as well as the Fan Acuña Cup during training camps in Spain, were all efforts based on this ambition and ambition.
J League official international matches are a great stage to compete with the world. The opponent, Liga de Quito, is a team from the capital of Ecuador, and it was also a "capital showdown" for the international title between the two cup winners.
Midsummer at home national stadium. Tokyo took advantage of Naohiro Ishikawa's speed and Sota Hirayama's height to aggressively attack and engage in a close match. They conceded the first goal in the 29th minute, but just 5 minutes later, Sotan Tanabe surprised everyone with a middle shot that was saved by Liga de Quito's goalkeeper, and Hirayama ran in to kick the loose ball into the net.
In the 63rd minute, a PK was given to Liga de Quito, allowing them to take the lead once again. Tokyo dominated the ball, centered around midfielder Masato MORISHIGE, against Liga de Quito's strong defense, but they were unable to convert their chances and time passed. The atmosphere of defeat loomed.
However, his natural "never give up" spirit is also demonstrated here. In the second half additional time, Hirayama competes and Oguro Masashi fiercely chases after the ball that spilled behind the opposing DF, and takes a technical shot with his left foot.
The match was brought to a penalty shootout by the striker's decisive goal with a unique sense of scoring.
In the penalty shootout, with the performance of Shuichi GONDA, they were able to defeat Liga de Quito and win the club's first international title.
Speaking of Daikoku, he used to play for Grenoble and Torino FC, and is a well-known striker in the world. By the way, when he joined Tokyo, he brought his own coffee machine to the first training camp and was welcomed with some surprise.
Including such small episodes, it made me feel like it conveyed the world standard awareness and what it truly means to be a professional.
Text by Yoru Fujiwara (Freelance Writer)
