26 Oct 2006(Thu)

October 24, 2006:It is now Tuesday afternoon, and I am staring at the pink football paper in front of me.

It says FC Tokyo 3, Gamba Osaka 2, but I still can't quite believe it.

Two days on from that incredible match at Ajista, I am still in a daze, did I really see that happen, or was it just a dream?

Not just the fact that came back from 2-0 down against the league champions, or that they scored three times in quick succession.

It was the quality of the goals, and the hysteria that followed. When I think back it's all a blur of blue and red, played in slow motion.

I know you will have read about the Tokyo goals before, but I would like to add my comments here.

First, Konno's. For a start he's one of my favourite players, I vote for him after every Nabisco Cup match in the New Hero award, even when FC Tokyo aren't playing!

What I liked most about Konno's goal was that he actually believed he could reach the ball. Losing 2-0, a long pass over the top¡­I am sure some players would have given up under those circumstances and let the ball run through to the keeper. Not Konno the Lionheart. He never gives up, and his agility, touch and calm finish sparked the revival.

Then it was Norio's turn. What can we say about this? I had a great view of the strike as it whistled into the top corner like a missile. Had the Gamba keeper got in the way, it would have taken him with it, too, flying into the back of the net. It was an incredible goal, and even likening it to a Roberto Carlos thunderbolt does not do it justice.

And then the winner from Fly High Nao. Again it was Konno on the left flank who was in the thick of the action. Suzuki crossed, Ishikawa showed a lovely touch to make himself some room, and then produced a cool, curling Ronaldo-style finish as he caressed the ball into the corner.

When that goal went in and the stadium erupted, I have to admit to being­well, quite emotional.

It was an extraordinary comeback, and no more than the magnificent Tokyo fans deserved in such a disappointing season.

The Gamba players and fans looked shell-shocked. One minute they were cruising to three points to stay in touch with Urawa, the next they were six points behind with six to play and possibly emotionally scarred by this unlikely reversal of fortunes.

Yes, that was an amazing afternoon at Tobitakyu, or was it just a dream?

ends