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.
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.
International Title Brought by the Man Who Knew the World in 2010
【Match Information】
Suruga Bank Championship 2010 TOKYO
FC Tokyo 2 (4PK3) 2 Lins de Kito
The 2010 Suruga Bank Championship (currently known as the "J.League Cup / Copa Sudamericana Champions Final") was approached as the champion of the 2009 Nabisco Cup (now known as the "YBC Levain Cup"). Although it was still a relatively new tournament in its third year, it held great significance for Tokyo.
From the time of its founding, SUNAL has had a mission to "eventually compete in Asia and the world" as the capital's club. Participation in international friendly matches such as Real Madrid and AS Roma, as well as the Fan Acuña Cup during training camps in Spain, were all efforts based on this ambition and determination.
J-League official international matches are a great stage to compete with the world. The opponent, Liga de Quito, is a team from the capital of Ecuador, and it was also a "capital showdown" for the international title between the cup winners.
Midsummer at home, National Stadium. Tokyo actively attacked, utilizing Naohiro Ishikawa's speed and Sota Hirayama's height, resulting in a closely contested match. They conceded a goal in the 29th minute, but just 5 minutes later, Sotan Tanabe surprised the goalkeeper of LIGA DE QUITO with a mid-range shot, and Hirayama ran in to kick the loose ball into the net.
In the 63rd minute, a penalty kick was given to Liga de Quito, allowing them to take the lead again. Tokyo dominated the ball, centered around midfielder Masato MORISHIGE, against a defensively strong Liga de Quito, but they were unable to convert their chances and time passed. The atmosphere of a likely defeat hung in the air.
However, his natural "never give up spirit" is also demonstrated here. In the second half additional time, Hirayama competes and Masashi Oguro fiercely catches up with the ball that spilled behind the opponent's defender, and shoots a technical shot with his left foot.
The match was brought to a penalty shootout by a striker with a unique sense of scoring, with a truly decisive blow.
In the penalty shootout, with the performance of Shuichi GONDA, they were able to defeat Liga de Quito and win the club's first international title.
Speaking of Daikoku, he is a striker who has played for Grenoble and Torino FC in the past and is known worldwide. By the way, when he joined Tokyo for the first training camp, he brought his own coffee machine and was welcomed with some surprise.
Including such small episodes, it made me feel like it conveyed the world standard awareness and what it truly means to be a professional.
Text by Yū Fujiwara (Freelance Writer)
