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.
Meeting with the 2003 Galaxy Corps
【Match Information】
Suntory Dream Match
FC Tokyo 0-3 Real Madrid
After the 2002 World Cup, it's Real Madrid next.
The "El Blanco" (Spanish for "white", the nickname for Real Madrid) had become a major boom in Japan, regardless of the observations in the soccer industry. While the increase in popularity among the core audience can be attributed to the frequent broadcast of overseas soccer on satellite TV, the general public also became familiar with it due to the national popularity of David Beckham leading up to the previous year's World Cup.
In such a match against a globally popular club, FC Tokyo has secured tickets for SOCIO members. Annual ticket holders were able to obtain tickets that are difficult to acquire, and rushed to our home, the Japan National Stadium.
The atmosphere inside the stadium and the media coverage were both biased towards the opposing team, and unfortunately it was raining, but the blue and red warriors on the pitch were fired up.
Starting lineup: Yoichi DOI, Akira KAJI, Teruyuki MONIWA, Ryuji FUJIYAMA, Jo KANAZAWA, Fumitake MIURA, Masashi MIYAZAWA, Mitsuhiro TODA, Kelly, Yuta BABA, Yoshiro ABE.
On the other hand, Real Madrid started with Ronaldo, Raul, Figo, and Casillas on the bench, with Zidane absent. Beckham, Makelele, and Roberto Carlos started the game with a lineup that lived up to the name of the Galacticos.
In the first half, Tokyo fought hard in a heavy atmosphere. In the 10th minute of the first half, Kelly's looping shot had a decisive scent, but it did not go into the goal. Not being able to score during the dominant period had an impact, and Real Madrid, who switched from 1 midfielder to 2 midfielders, took control.
And in the 37th minute of the first half, Beckham, who was the attraction for fans and supporters of Tokyo, scored a direct free kick, and all hope was lost. After that, two more goals were conceded, resulting in a disappointing defeat.
The AFC Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup have been established as regional and global club championship tournaments, respectively, and have become crowded schedules. Currently, there are few opportunities to encounter this type of Asia tour-like preseason match by big clubs in Europe. However, the significance of experiencing the top of the world at that time, even for a moment, was significant.
It was a special night that could be called the origin of Tokyo, which aims to rise to higher heights in Asia and the world.
Text by Wataru GOTO (Freelance Writer)
