The new National Stadium is open for business, having survived a December opening gala featuring J-pop icons Arashi and the 2019 Emperor¡¯s Cup final with a number of online grumbles but few out-and-out disasters.
But is that enough to earn the $1.4 billion centerpiece of the 2020 Tokyo Games a passing mark as a soccer venue?
Just over two months after it was originally scheduled to host the final of the 2019 Rugby World Cup, the controversial venue made its ¡°competitive¡± debut on New Year¡¯s Day when it hosted the Emperor¡¯s Cup climax between Vissel Kobe and Kashima Antlers.
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