Finally, on Apr 29 (Fri, Holiday), Tokyo will play its first J-League match at the new Japan National Stadium.
At the National Stadium before renovation, we have played many official matches since our first year in the J.League. There were memorable super plays and impactful events. Since achieving 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.
This is TOKYO.
Before taking a new step at the National Stadium, let's look back at the footprints and memories left at the previous National Stadium with photos from that time.
2000 J1 started with 3 consecutive home national wins
[Match Information]
2000 J.League Division 1 1st Stage Sec. 2
FC Tokyo 2-0 Avispa Fukuoka
2000 J.League Division 1 1st Stage Matchday 3
FC Tokyo 2-1 Nagoya Grampus Eight
2000 J.League Division 1 1st Stage Matchday 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.
A team made up mostly of players who have been with the team since the JFL era defeated Yokohama F.Marinos and won against Avispa Fukuoka in their first game at the Japan National Stadium, taking the top spot. 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.
In addition, in the following Shimizu S-Pulse match, the Tokyo goal end will also receive a spring call from Ryuzo MORIOKA, who looks like the first spring breeze (MORIOKA responded with a wry smile?).
In the second game at National Stadium, Nagoya Grampus defeated Tokyo in extra time in the third round. Stojkovic said, "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.
After twice catching up with Júbilo Iwata, who surpasses with dominance, TUTO finally turned the tables in front of the supporters who watched with bated breath when Amaral scored a penalty kick in the 38th minute of the second half. At the stage of consuming one-third of the 1st stage, it was a successful start dash that was beyond our wildest dreams to defeat the three strongest teams of Yokohama, Nagoya, and Iwata.
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 Wataru GOTO (Freelance Writer)
