<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, please tell us your honest thoughts about being selected for the U-20 Japan national team.
First of all, I am honored to have been selected. As I will be representing Japan, I want to deliver solid and good results to Japan.
Q: Please tell us about the gains and challenges from the AFC U20 Asian Cup held in March.
I think we had a lot of strength as a team. I want to demonstrate it firmly at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. As for the challenges, I felt that there were challenges in set plays and how we start the game. I want to make sure to fix them before the main tournament.
Q: The host country for this tournament has changed from Indonesia to Argentina. Have you noticed any changes in your impression of Argentina or the host country?
A, actually, I don't think it makes a difference which country the game is played in, and playing on the other side of the Earth from Japan is an experience that is not easily available, so I think it is important to see it as a good experience and fight as a team with unwavering determination.
Q: Please tell us your impressions of the three countries you will face in the group stage and the points you will be cautious about.
A: I haven’t watched the matches of the three teams individually yet, so I don’t have a clear impression, but I believe they are teams of a level worthy of participating in this tournament and strong teams. Without letting our guard down, we will carefully fight each match one by one.
Q: Naoki KUMATA, who plays together with you in Tokyo, was also selected.
A: During the AFC U20 Asian Cup, he helped the team by becoming the top scorer. I expect him to score goals in this tournament as well, and I want to play in a way that brings out the best in him.
Q, there was also a moment when you were talking with Coach Albert together with Kumada.
A, I was told, "First of all, enjoy yourself," and that they expect me to play in Argentina for as long as possible.
Q, as the team captain, I think there is a great possibility of facing the tournament. How do you think about your role as a leader?
A, whether I am captain or not, I believe what I need to do does not change. Mentally, I think I have the strongest mindset and determination to compete. Having lost at the AFC U20 Asian Cup, I want to take the lead and build a strong team that can properly compete on the world stage.
Q: Do you have anything you are looking forward to when it comes to playing against teams from around the world?
A, I am looking forward to everything. After all, when it comes to enjoying it, victory is the most demanded. Even if the content is good, losing is not acceptable, so first and foremost, I want to seek results, and then also place importance on the quality of the matches.
Q, what kind of play do you want to show?
A, as usual, I want to keep running freely both vertically and horizontally, always seeking to play in a way that contributes the most to the team. Although I haven't been able to deliver results in Tokyo, I want to make sure I can achieve good results on this kind of stage.
Q: Albert PUIG ORTONEDA evaluates Matsuki's mentality. How do you approach facing strong opponents in different environments?
A: I believe it is important to maintain the same mentality as usual. Having a strong mindset in a tournament like the World Cup is natural, and since I always have a very strong passion for each and every match, what I do does not change even if the environment or location changes.
Q, finally, please tell us the goals for this tournament both individually and as a team.
A, as for the team's goal, as Coach Koichi TOGASHI has stated, it is to become the best in the world, but first, it is important to advance past the group stage. Winning the first match is the most important, and personally, I believe results are required. While prioritizing the team's results, I also want to pursue individual results.
<Naoki KUMATA>
Q, SILVA has made a significant image change with a short silver-colored hair, hasn't he?
No, I didn't have the U-20 World Cup in mind. I was thinking of cutting my hair, and when I saw the image, I liked it, so I decided to go with this hairstyle.
Q, please tell us how you feel now that you have been selected for the U-20 Japan national team.
A, after the AFC U20 Asian Cup ended and I returned to the team, I was not able to achieve results in Tokyo. I want to firmly achieve results at the U-20 World Cup and also grow as a player.
Q, what were the gains and challenges you experienced at the AFC U20 Asian Cup in March?
A, the harvest is that I was able to express a lot of feelings towards the goal and the sense of scoring. As for the challenges, I have often been told about the defensive aspect, so while working hard on defense, I want to demonstrate my own strengths in the attack.
Q, please tell us your impression of each country you will be facing in the group stage.
A, I get the impression that the opponents are stronger and faster than those we faced in the Asian qualifiers. First of all,I want to make sure we don't lose in key moments, and if I can make use of my physical strength, which is my strong point, I believe we can compete on equal terms. As a team, we want to express Japan's skill and fight hard.
Q: Kuryu MATSUKI has also been selected for the U-20 Japan national team. Is his presence significant for player Kumada?
A, I think it is significant. When he steps onto the pitch, he watches me closely and plays accordingly, so he is a big presence.
Q, what do you feel are the strengths of the U-20 Japan national team?
A, I believe that wing attacks are Japan's strength. Since we have players on the wings who can individually break through situations, I want to aim for goals with my strong heading ability from crosses.
Q, what kind of tournament do you want this to be?
First of all, I want to aim for the world championship and achieve results both as a team and individually. I haven't particularly thought about what comes after that.
Q: You mentioned that your strength is heading; how do you envision scoring goals?
A: I want to aim for goals by connecting with crosses. First, I want to firmly become a focal point up front and create the flow of attack.
Q: What kind of tournament would Kumada like for himself?
A, it is shared even in the representative meeting, but winning is still important. I think we can definitely win if this team is complete. I will do my best, carrying the thoughts of the coach.
Q: Do you particularly focus on playing a role in overcoming difficult situations against foreign countries?
A, I feel that there are areas where I need to improve in terms of controlling the ball. I want to be conscious of the details and show solid plays in controlling the ball.
