<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 in the competition, I want to deliver solid and good results to Japan.
Q: Please tell us about the achievements and challenges of the AFC U20 Asian Cup held in March.
A, I think we had a lot of strength as a team. We want to demonstrate it firmly at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Regarding the challenges, I felt there were issues with set pieces and how we start the game. We want to properly address these before the tournament.
Q, The venue for this tournament has changed from Indonesia to Argentina. Do you have any impressions of Argentina or feelings about the change in host country?
A, actually, I think it doesn't matter which country we play in, and playing on the other side of the world from Japan is a rare experience. I believe it's important to view it as a valuable experience and to fight with a steadfast mindset as a team.
Q: Please tell us your impressions of the three countries competing in the group stage and the points you are cautious about.
A, I have not watched the matches of the three teams individually, so I do not have a clear impression yet, but I believe they are teams of a level worthy of participating in this tournament, strong teams. Without letting our guard down, we will carefully fight each match one by one.
Q: Naoki KUMATA, who plays together in Tokyo, was also selected.
During the AFC U20 Asian Cup as well, he helped the team by becoming the top scorer. We expect him to score goals in this tournament too, and I want to play in a way that brings out his best.
Q: There was also a scene where player Kumada was talking with coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA.
A, I was told, "First of all, enjoy yourself," and I was also told that they expect me to play in Argentina for as long as possible.
Q: I believe there is a strong possibility that you will continue as team captain and face the tournament. How do you view your role as a leader?
Whether I am the captain or not, I believe what I have to do does not change. Mentally, I think my competitive spirit is the strongest. Since we lost at the AFC U20 Asian Cup, I want to lead from the front and build a strong team that can compete on the world stage.
Q: Is there anything you are looking forward to in the world?
A, I am looking forward to everything. After all, when it comes to enjoying it, I believe winning is the most important. Even if the content is good, losing is not acceptable, so first and foremost I want to focus on the results, and then also place importance on the quality of the match.
Q: What kind of play do you want to show?
A, as usual, I want to run freely both vertically and horizontally and always seek to play in a way that contributes the most to the team. Although I have not been able to produce results in Tokyo, I want to make sure I can deliver results on this kind of stage.
Q: Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA evaluates Matsuki's mentality. How do you approach strong opponents in different environments?
A, I believe it is important to maintain the same mental state as usual. I think it is natural to have a strong mindset in a tournament like the World Cup, 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 of this tournament for both individuals and the team.
A, as for the team's goal, as Head Coach Koichi TOGASHI 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 thing, and personally, I believe results are required. While prioritizing the team's results, I also want to pursue individual results.
<Naoki KUMATA>
Q: You changed your image significantly with short silver hair.
It wasn't with the U-20 World Cup in mind. I was thinking of cutting my hair, and when I looked at pictures, I liked this hairstyle, so I chose it.
Q: Please tell us how you feel about being selected for the U-20 Japan national team.
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 achieve solid results in the U-20 World Cup and continue to grow myself.
Q: What were the gains and challenges from the AFC U20 Asian Cup in March?
A, the takeaway is that I was able to express my desire to score and my sense of finishing many times. Regarding the challenges, I was often told about my defensive aspects, so while working hard on defense, I want to demonstrate my strengths in attack as well.
Q: Please tell us your impressions of each country competing in the group stage.
It feels like we have stronger and faster opponents than those we faced in the Asian qualifiers. First of all, I want to make sure we don't lose in key situations, and if I can utilize my physical strengths, I believe we can compete on equal terms. As a team, I want to express Japan's skill and fight together.
Q: Kuryu MATSUKI has also been selected for the U-20 Japan national team. Is his presence significant for Kumada?
A, I think he is big. When he enters the pitch, he watches himself carefully and plays, so he is a significant presence.
Q: What strengths do you feel the U-20 Japan national team has?
A, I believe side attacks are Japan's strength. Since we have players on the sides who can break through situations individually, we want to aim for goals with headers, which is our strong point, 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, but what kind of image do you have for scoring goals?
A, I want to aim to score by connecting with crosses. First, I want to firmly establish myself as a focal point up front and create the flow of the attack.
Q: What kind of tournament do you want it to be for you, Kumada?
This will also be shared in the representatives' meeting, but the goal is definitely to win the championship. With this lineup, I truly believe we can win. I will do my best, carrying the coach's hopes with me.
Q: I think there will be situations where we are at a disadvantage against foreign countries. Are you particularly aware of your role in maintaining control?
Regarding plays to control the ball, I personally feel there are challenges. I want to be mindful of the finer details and show plays where I can firmly control the ball.
