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.
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.
A legendary goal that remains in history in 2006
[Match Information]
2006 J.League Division 1 Sec. 19
FC Tokyo 5-1 Avispa Fukuoka
In August 2006, two league matches were held on Wednesday nights at the Japan National Stadium, making it convenient for business people commuting from work.
On August 23rd, in the 19th round of the J1 League, Avispa Fukuoka faced Urawa Reds, with Hisao KURAMATA as the newly appointed coach on the bench. The previous coach, Mr. Garo, resigned after the defeat in the 17th round against Urawa Reds, and the new system had been implemented since the 15th.
Coach Kuramata, who was a staff member during the era of Coach Okuma, emphasized quick transitions and achieved their first victory in a shootout in the 18th round against JEF United Chiba three days ago. The situation of facing Fukuoka in the first match of that year is exactly the same as the 2000 season.
Will the members on the pitch be able to respond to the stands, hoping for the return of the Tokyo whirlwind?
Despite playing two consecutive days and it being summer, the starting lineup remained unchanged from the previous match. Although the defense line has undergone significant changes since six years ago, Ryuji FUJIYAMA was still there as a side back. Satoru ASARI was in the midfield. It was Ryuji's opening goal that set the tone for the 5-1 victory, reminiscent of his time at Tokyo Gas.
The flow up until that point was not good at all. In the 22nd minute of the first half, Fukuoka's Yabuta Mitsunori was sent off. Tokyo had a numerical advantage, but struggled to attack against the opponent who defended well. However, in the 35th minute, Lucas smoothly brought the ball from a throw-in and made an exquisite pass to Fujiyama, who took a shot! Although it was a deflection, he followed up on the rebound and the ball hit the opponent again, resulting in a goal.
Although it was close to an own goal, the official record remained unchanged, and Fujiyama's first J1 goal, which was a memorable one on the national stage, became etched in Tokyo's history as his only goal in the J1 League.
In the second half, Fukuoka, who took the risk and switched to a 3-4-2 formation, conceded one goal and temporarily equalized, but then persistently attacked and scored four goals. The final goal was scored by Yoshiro ABE, who came on as a substitute in the previous match with a broken nose.
Kuramata, who had the opportunity to play in Tokyo, said, "I played with the intention of not wasting the given chance." It was a hot match that signaled a revival both as a team and as an individual.
Text by Katsu GOTO (Freelance Writer)
