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.
The first J1 of 2000 was a home victory streak
[Match Information]
2000 J.League Division 1 1st Stage Matchday 2
FC Tokyo 2-0 Avispa Fukuoka
2000 J.League Division 1 1st Stage Sec. 3
FC Tokyo 2-1 Nagoya Grampus Eight
2000 J.League Division 1 1st Stage Sec. 5
FC Tokyo 3-2 Júbilo Iwata
Until the Tokyo Stadium (currently Ajinomoto Stadium) had its grand opening, the Japan National Stadium served as the temporary home stadium in Tokyo for one year.
With a lineup consisting mostly of players who have been with the team since the JFL era, they defeated Yokohama F.Marinos and then went on to win against Avispa Fukuoka in their first match at Japan National Stadium, taking the top spot at this point. The Tokyo whirlwind began here.
By the way, the guest for the home opening match was "Haruichiban" who is known for imitating Antonio Inoki, but this was a countermeasure to Kashima Antlers inviting the real Inoki as a guest at the same National Stadium a week ago, and this parody spirit became a big topic.
Furthermore, in the subsequent Shimizu S-Pulse match, the Tokyo Goal End showered Ryuzo Moriooka, who resembles the spring breeze, with a spring breeze call (Moriooka responded with a wry smile?).
In the third match, which was the second match at the National Stadium, FC Tokyo defeated Nagoya Grampus in extra time. Stojkovic made a comment saying, "Tokyo surprised us."
Tokyo, who had been riding a wave with 3 consecutive victories, suffered a frustrating overtime loss to Kashiwa Reysol at Kashiwa no Ha in the 4th section. And in the 5th section, where they returned determined not to stumble, another drama awaited them at National Stadium.
Júbilo Iwata, which surpasses in dominance, twice caught up with TUTO with 2 goals, and finally turned the tables when Amaral scored a penalty kick in front of the supporters who watched with bated breath in the 38th minute of the second half. At the stage where one-third of the 1st stage was consumed, it was a start dash that was beyond our wildest dreams to successfully defeat Yokohama, Nagoya, and Iwata, the top three teams.
Unfortunately, the final ranking was 6th. Although we achieved a 5-game winning streak at the start of the 2nd stage, we then had a 7-game losing streak with a draw in between. We managed to win the last 2 matches and finished 8th, but it was a daily experience at the National Stadium that made us feel the rewards and challenges of being newly promoted.
In addition, in the opening match of the 2nd stage on June 24th, current scout Toshiki KOIKE scored his first goal in the J1 League with a long shot, achieving his promise on the TV show "Bamo! FC Tokyo" to score a 25m shot.
Text by Katsu GOTO (Freelance Writer)
