Finally, on April 29th (Fri, holiday), Tokyo will play its first J-League match at the new Japan National Stadium.
At the old National Stadium, we have played many official matches since the first year of J-League membership. There have been memorable super plays and impactful events. Since achieving the 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 on the footprints and memories that have been left at the previous National Stadium, along with photos from that time.
1999: The first step that gathered 40,000 people and the elusive 3rd uniform
[Match Information]
1999 J.League Yamazaki Nabisco Cup Semifinal 2nd Leg
FC Tokyo 1-1 Kashima Antlers
Under the emblem, the words "HERE WE ARE! "KOKURITSU" 6th Oct '99" were engraved. I wonder how those players who wore that vertical striped third uniform and the people who held it in their hands are doing now.
FC Tokyo was established and fought in the J2 League in the 1999 season, the first year of J.League membership. In the final match, they achieved promotion to the J1 League and also accomplished the remarkable feat of reaching the semi-finals in their first participation in the J.League Yamazaki Nabisco Cup.
During the Tokyo Gas Football Club era, the team reached the semifinals of the Emperor's Cup. They had a strong impression of being formidable in cup competitions, and they proved this by defeating J1 teams Vissel Kobe, JEF United Chiba, and Yokohama F.Marinos in the Nabisco Cup. They showed that their success in the J2 League was not a fluke.
The semifinal opponent was Kashima Antlers. They were the previous year's J-League champions and also a formidable opponent that stood in Tokyo's way in the 1997 Emperor's Cup. The team's determination for this match was significant. The first match was played away on September 26th, and Kashima won 2-0. Tokyo needed a "victory by a margin of 3 goals or more" in the second match.
The first big game to be held as a home game. The venue is Japan National Stadium. The club created a third uniform, but at that time, registration was not allowed in the middle of the season, so it was only worn at the time of entry. That is why it is called a "phantom".
On October 6th, a cloudy day at Kokuritsu Stadium where 40,885 spectators gathered.
Tokyo aggressively took advantage of the opponent's weaknesses and kept the 2-point lead they gained in the first match, resulting in an evenly matched scoreless first half against Kashima. In the 54th minute of the second half, Amara player scored an overhead goal from a free kick sent by Almir player. Kashiwa player Kagamiki then kicked the loose ball powerfully into the goal, securing the much-awaited opening goal. Tokyo gained momentum and continued to attack with Yukihiko Sato player repeatedly leading the right side. The absence of goalkeeper Hiromitsu Horiike player allowed Takayuki Suzuki player, who made his first appearance on the national pitch, to showcase his excellent play.
However, in the 81st minute, "serious Kashima" allowed a goal by player Yutaka AKITA from a corner kick, and the match ended in a draw.
Although we couldn't make it to the finals, we gave Kashima a tough time until the very end, which gave us great confidence. On the other hand, this hard-fought battle did have an impact on the subsequent league matches. We had to struggle to promote to the J1 League, but all of these experiences should have become a solid foundation for the club.
A match where the feeling and expectation of a suitable team going to a suitable place grew significantly.
Text by Yū Fujiwara (Freelance Writer)
