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.
2013 National Kan's Return
[Match Information]
2013 J-League Division 1 Sec. 25
FC Tokyo 3-2 Urawa Reds
It was a great job for a shy monster. September 14, 2013, J1 League Sec. 25 Urawa Reds match. Finally released from the "red curse" that had lasted for an unimaginable amount of time, they grabbed a victory after 3287 days from Urawa. At the center of that joyous circle was, as expected, the "National Man".
The scoreboard shows a score of 2-2. The clock was about to reach 90 minutes soon.
Honestly, it was a "here we go again" kind of game. Since Ranko POPOVIC took over as manager of Tokyo in 2012, the matches against Urawa have always been a no-holds-barred brawl. Leading up to this match, there had been three consecutive draws, but with the added drama of the two managers' history, it was guaranteed to be an entertaining match (although the post-match press conferences were ridiculously long). Even on this day, Tokyo couldn't hold onto their 2-goal lead and the draw seemed inevitable.
However, Sota HIRAYAMA, who came on as a substitute in the latter part of the game, did not give up. "Both the players and the fans/supporters were seeking victory."
The last chance rolled to the man who never gives up. He got a free kick on the right side of the pitch and Kosuke OTA kicked it with his left foot towards the goal. Number 13 threw himself into the sharp arc trajectory and awkwardly headed the ball, which bounced off the ground and into the goal. Watching this, Hirayama climbed over the fence in the stands and stood in front of the Tokyo supporters waiting behind the goal. He raised his fist and shouted with all his might.
The goal celebration was filled with gratitude.
"In the past few years, I haven't been able to show my play due to injuries, but the Tokyo fans and supporters have continued to support me. I wasn't confident of victory at that goal. However, we came very close. So, I wanted to share the joy with the fans and supporters."
In 2011, when I played in the J2 League, I was considered the ace player but I broke my right tibia and fibula during a practice match in April. It was my first major injury. The following year, I also experienced a long-term absence and was mostly away from actual games for two years. Before the start of this year, I thought it would be better to change my environment and looked for a transfer. The negotiations were progressing to the point of a serious discussion, but I changed my mind at the last minute. It was because I realized that I wasn't enthusiastic about it myself.
"When I think about leaving this team, I realize that my love for Tokyo has won. I want to start over from scratch here."
Everyone loved Sota. No matter how often he sat on the bench, every time Hirayama stood on the touchline, the blue and red fans welcomed him with loud cheers. And he always said, "I am truly grateful," over and over again.
After that, he continued to struggle with injuries and decided to retire in January 2018. At the retirement ceremony held at Ajinomoto Stadium in March, Hirayama spoke to the supporters.
"The most memorable thing for me was the support and cheers we received in Kyoto after being relegated. When I decided to retire, those cheers stayed with me. Even in the difficult times in my life, those cheers will continue to motivate me and push me forward. As I start my second life, I am grateful for the connections I made in Sendai, the opportunities that led me to this second life, and the support I received during the toughest times at FC Tokyo. I will carry those as my strength for the future. Thank you so much."
I'm not good at putting my thoughts into words. But, that clumsiness was also seen as charming by others. Because, at Ajinomoto, the one who received the loudest cheers was none other than this shy striker.
In my memory, there are many spectacular goals engraved. However, among them, there is one goal that is particularly memorable. The awkward goal scored on this day has a beauty that is difficult to describe in words.
Text by Tadashi BABA (Freelance Writer)
