＜Player 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 achievements and challenges of the AFC U20 Asia 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 and points of caution about the three countries you will be facing in the group stage.
I haven't watched the games of all three teams yet, so I don't have an impression yet, but I think they are teams of a level suitable for participating in this tournament, strong teams. We will not let our guard down and fight each match carefully.
Q, Naoki KUMATA, who plays together in Tokyo, was also selected.
He also helped the team with his outstanding performance as the top scorer in the AFC U20 Asia Cup. I hope he can score goals in this tournament as well, and I personally want to play in a way that can make the most of his abilities.
Q, there were also scenes where I was talking with Coach Albert along with player Kumada.
I was told, "First of all, enjoy yourself," and they said they hope I can 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?
Whether I am the captain or not, I believe that my approach to the game remains the same. Mentally, I am focused on winning and I consider myself to be the strongest. After losing in the AFC U20 Asia Cup, I want to lead the team and create a strong team that can compete against the world.
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. I think winning is the most important thing when it comes to enjoying. Even if the content is good, it's no good if we lose, so first and foremost, I want to seek results, and then I want to prioritize the game content.
Q, what kind of play do you want to show?
A, I want to continue running freely and contribute to the team as much as possible. Although I haven't been able to produce results in Tokyo, I want to make sure to produce results on stages like this.
Q: Coach Albert Puig Ortoneda highly values the mentality of player Matsumaki. How do you approach strong opponents in a different environment?
A, I think it is important to maintain the same mentality as usual. I think it is natural to have a strong determination in tournaments like the World Cup, and I always have a strong desire to give my all in each and every game, so even if the environment or location changes, what I do will not change.
Q: Finally, please tell us your personal and team goals for this tournament.
The team's goal, as stated by Koichi TOGASHI, is to become the world champions, but it is important to first advance through the group stage. Winning the first match is the most important thing, and I also believe that individual results are expected. While prioritizing the team's results, I also want to strive for personal success.
Naoki KUMATA (Player)
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 about being selected for the U-20 Japan national team.
After returning to the team following the conclusion of the AFC U20 Asia Cup, we were unable to achieve results in Tokyo. I want to leave a solid result in the U-20 World Cup and continue to grow as an individual.
Q: What were the gains and challenges in 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.
The impression is that there are opponents who are stronger and faster than those we fought in the Asian qualifiers. First of all, I want to avoid losing in crucial moments, and if I can make use of my physical strength, which I consider my strong point, I believe I can compete on equal terms. As a team, I want to express Japan's skill and fight.
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's big. When I step onto the pitch, it's a big presence because it also pays attention to me and plays well.
What do you feel are the strengths of the U-20 Japan national team?
I think that side attacks are Japan's weapon. We have players who can break through situations individually lined up on the sides, so I want to aim for goals with heading, which I consider my strength, 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, but what is your image of scoring goals?
A, I want to aim for a goal by matching the cross. First of all, I want to firmly become the starting point in the front line and create the flow of the 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.
