<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, please tell us your honest thoughts about being selected for the U-20 Japan national team.
A, first of all, I am honored to have been selected. Since I will be representing Japan, I want to deliver solid and good results to the country.
Q: Please tell us about the gains and challenges from the AFC U20 Asian Cup held in March.
A, I believe the team had a lot of strength. I want to fully demonstrate that at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Regarding challenges, I felt there were issues with set pieces and how we start the game. I want to make sure to properly address these before the 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, I believe it doesn't really matter which country we play in, and playing on the opposite side of the globe from Japan is a rare experience. I see it as a valuable opportunity, and I think the most important thing is for the team to fight 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 have not yet seen the matches of each of the three teams, so I don't have an impression yet, but I believe they are teams of a level worthy of participating in this tournament, strong teams. We will not be complacent and 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 many days 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?
A: I did not specifically think about the U-20 World Cup. I just wanted to cut my hair, and when I was looking at pictures, I liked this hairstyle, so I chose it.
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 deliver results at the U-20 World Cup and also grow as an individual.
Q, what were the gains and challenges you experienced at the AFC U20 Asian Cup in March?
A, the gains were that I was able to express my desire to score and my sense of finishing many times. As for the challenges, I was often told about my defensive aspects, so while working hard on defense, I want to also demonstrate my strengths in 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 is on 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?
A, first of all, I want to firmly aim to be the best in the world and achieve results both as a team and as an individual. I am not particularly thinking 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 the attack.
Q: What kind of tournament would Kumada like for himself?
A, it is also shared in the team meetings, but ultimately, the goal is to win the championship. I believe that with this lineup, we can definitely become champions. I will do my best, carrying the coach's hopes as well.
Q: Do you particularly focus on playing a role in overcoming difficult situations against foreign countries?
A: Regarding the play of controlling the ball, I personally feel that it is an area I need to improve. I want to pay attention to the finer details and show solid ball control in my play.
