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.
2013 National Return of the Man
【Match Information】
2013 J.League Division 1 Sec. 25
FC Tokyo 3-2 Urawa Reds
It was a big job for the shy monster. On September 14, 2013, in Sec. 25 of the J1 League against Urawa Reds. Finally freed from the overwhelming "red curse" that had lasted for an eternity, they achieved victory for the first time in 3287 days since leaving Urawa. At the center of that circle of joy was, after all, the "National Man."
The scoreboard shows a score of 2-2. The clock was about to reach 90 minutes.
Honestly, it was a game development of "here we go again." Since Ranko POPOVIC became the commander of Tokyo in 2012, the matches against Urawa have always been a no-holds-barred brawl for two seasons. There had been three consecutive draws leading up to this match, but the rivalry between the two coaches added an undeniable excitement (however, the post-match press conference for both coaches was incredibly long). On this day, they couldn't maintain a two-goal lead, and the mood of a draw began to set in.
However, Sota HIRAYAMA, who came on as a substitute in the latter part of the match, did not give up. "Both the players and the fans supporters were seeking victory."
The man who never gives up has received his last chance. After earning a free kick on the right side of the pitch, Kosuke OTA kicked it with his left foot into the goal area. With a sharp arc, the player wearing number 13 threw himself into the ball. Clumsy but effective, the ball hit his head and bounced off the ground into the goal. After witnessing this, Hirayama climbed over the fence of the stands and stood in front of the Tokyo supporters waiting behind the goal. He raised his fist and shouted with all his might.
That goal celebration was filled with gratitude.
"In the past few years, I couldn't show my play due to injuries, but the fans and supporters in Tokyo have continued to support me all along. At the moment of that goal, I wasn't certain of victory. But I got incredibly close. That's why I wanted to share the joy with the fans and supporters."
In 2011, while competing in the J2 League, he was considered the ace but suffered a fracture of the right tibia and fibula during a practice match in April. It was his first major injury. The following year, he also experienced a long-term absence, being away from competitive play for almost two years. Before the start of that year, he thought, "It would be better to change the environment," and sought a transfer. The discussions had progressed to the point of serious negotiations, but he hesitated at the last moment. He realized that he was not truly motivated.
"When I thought about leaving this team, my feelings of love for Tokyo won out. I felt that I wanted to start over from here."
Everyone loved Sota HIRAYAMA. No matter how often he warmed the bench, every time HIRAYAMA stood by the touchline, the blue and red supporters welcomed him with great cheers. Moreover, he kept saying, "I am always truly grateful."
After that, he continued to suffer from injuries and decided to retire in January 2018. At the retirement ceremony held at Ajinomoto in March, Hirayama spoke to the supporters.
"What stands out the most to me is the support and cheers after the relegation was decided in Kyoto. When I decided to retire this time, the cheers after the relegation echoed within me. Even in difficult times in my life ahead, those cheers will resonate within me and serve as encouragement to move forward. A second life is about to begin, but I want to live on with the connections I made when I transferred to Sendai, the connections that led me to this second life, and the support I received during the toughest times at FC Tokyo. Thank you very much."
I'm not good at putting my thoughts into words. However, that clumsiness also appeared charming to others. Because, at Ajinomoto, the one who received the loudest cheers was none other than this shy striker.
In my memory, there are many spectacular goals etched in. However, none are more impressive than this one. The awkward goal of the day possesses a beauty that is difficult to put into words.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
