“That’s my only regret,” rued Falcao as he blew the lights out on the most extraordinary career futsal has and, probably, will ever witness.

The Brazilian thrill machine was referring to pulling a shot wide following a mind-blowing dribble – he somehow eight challenges in seven seconds – against Spain in 2004. Now, however, Falcao has another regret.

Suddenly, however, there’s a new addition to Falcao’s regret list. Brazil and Argentina eked out victories in their Uzbekistan 2024 semi-finals to set up the mother of all FIFA Futsal World Cup™ finals, and bring Falcao to a realisation. “I would have loved to play in a World Cup final between Brazil and Argentina,” he admitted.

Falcao speaks to FIFA about the rivalry between the South American superpowers, his heroics in the fixture at Thailand 2012, Brazil’s star performers at this tournament, the best Argentinian he’s ever seen and what he expects from Sunday’s final in Tashkent.

Brazil had lost to Spain in two straight World Cups. Can you explain how it felt to beat Spain, in front of a packed Maracanãzinho, in the 2008 final?
My first World Cup was in 2000. We lost to Spain. Then in 2004, in another great game, we ended up losing. In 2008 we were obligated [to win] because we were playing at home, we were coming off two defeats. So that title in 2008 was very important for my generation. Then in 2012, in Thailand, as well. These two triumphs were very important for us.

You had to wait until your third World Cup to win the title. What was it like waiting for that coveted title?
It was a long wait. [The World Cup] is only every four years. In 2000 we were extras to the national team. In 2004 we were already the principal players. In 2008 it was life or death. A lot of players – myself included – said they were going to quit the national team if we lost because it was a generation of frustration, defeat. So it was really important to win, and it also gave us strength to win in 2012.

Were you more nervous playing in big World Cup games or watching them?
Watching you can’t do anything. You’re just a supporter. When you play you have those butterflies in your stomach, that sense of duty. You’re nervous for days inside the hotel until the game starts. When the game starts, you can switch off from that a bit. Being off the court, you’re one of millions supporting. Playing you’re directly responsible for the happiness or sadness of a lot of people.

What do you think about the rivalry between Brazil and Argentina?
When it’s within normal limits, it’s very important and beneficial to sport. When it goes over the limit, it gets boring and ugly. I myself have been to Argentina on occasions. I only have good memories. I was always really well-treated in Argentina. The year I stopped playing I went to Argentina to play in Brazil-Argentina. Every time I went on everybody stood up to applaud me – ۷,۰۰۰ or 8,000 people in the arena. So the memories I have are really nice. This Brazil-Argentina final, whoever wins will have eternal bragging rights, and for whoever loses it will be the opposite. But I think Brazil-Argentina, within normal boundaries, it’s really cool and the whole world admires this rivalry. Now, for the first time in the history of any sport related to football, we’ll have a World Cup final between Brazil and Argentina. It’s a final I wish I’d played in. Unfortunately it didn’t happen. So for this generation, both for Brazil and Argentina, enjoy the moment.

In the quarter-finals at Thailand 2012, Brazil were 2-0 down to Argentina with just seven minutes remaining. What do you think of that amazing comeback?
I think it’s the most memorable game of my career. I got an injury in our first game, Brazil against Japan. I didn’t know if I’d recover. I came on in the game against Panama, in the previous game, and scored a goal, but if you look at the footage you can see that I was limping a little. The coaching staff didn’t count on me, and I also didn’t count on playing. Then Argentina went 1-0 up, Argentina went 2-0 up. When there were 10 minutes remaining, I felt that game adrenaline. My team-mates were asking me [how the injury was] and I said that I didn’t even remember it. The coach Marcos Sorato, along with Vander, also came up to me. I said, ‘Let me on’. As soon as I went on, a supporter came to hug me. I had one eye shut and, when the supporter went to hug me, he poked me in the other eye. I couldn’t see anything. I went off, threw on some eye drops, and when I went back on Neto scored our first goal. With a few minutes remaining I made it 2-2. Then, in extra-time, I made it 3-2. Even the Argentinians tell me, ‘We made it to three successive World Cup finals. It should be four but you didn’t let us!’ This respect is really cool. If only it was a final. Can you imagine if that story happened in a World Cup final? But for me it was like a final. It kept us on the path to playing Spain in the final. The memories I have from Brazil-Argentina are the greatest possible. The Pan American Games final in 2007, many other finals. I think Argentina are the national team I encountered the most, and I have a lot of respect for them.

What do you think of Brazil’s campaign so far?
Theoretically, Brazil had an easier campaign. Brazil had to play a tough game in the semi-final, and now they have another one in the final. Argentina, since the group stage, have been killing lions one by one. Theoretically, they’ll get to the final more tired, albeit more prepared. Brazil have more injuries; Argentina are in better shape with injuries. Brazil are technically better; Argentina are better collectively. What one national team has more of, the other makes up for with something else. I think it’s very balanced. Brazil will be playing with fewer players, and this makes a difference, but Brazil have much better technique. I think it’s a 50-50. It will be a great game and I’m sure everyone will enjoy it a lot.

You played alongside Lino. What do you think of Lino as a player?
Technically Lino makes the biggest difference in the national team, together with Dyego. Pito’s injured. If he is able to play, Pito is alongside them too. Lino can unbalance opponents in one-v-ones, he’s really quick. If he’s confident that a game is going to belong to him – the same goes for Dyego – technically he can make the difference in it.

Brazil have had a lot of standouts at this World Cup, but for you which one has been the biggest standout?
This World Cup has been about moments. We had Marcel’s moment in the group stage, Dyego’s moment in the most difficult game. That’s without counting Willian when he was called upon, Guitta when he came on against Ukraine at the most decisive moment. He made three, four saves that everyone expects Guitta to make. For me, for a lot of years, he was the best goalkeeper in the world. Individually, I think we had the moment of Marcel, who’s the World Cup’s top goalscorer, a special moment of Dyego at the right time and also Guitta’s moment when the match was at its most decisive. My standouts would be Marcel in the group stage, Dyego at a decisive time, and Guitta’s last 10 minutes were fundamental.

Who’s the best Argentinian player you’ve seen in your lifetime?
I believe it’s Borruto because of the number of World Cups he’s played at, the experience he has. I think he’s been to five World Cups, the same number as me. Borruto’s that type of player who marks, attacks, runs, is like an ant who goes all over the place. He’s still playing at a high level today. Not specifically at this World Cup, but I think historically Borruto is a landmark player in Argentinian futsal.

Goalkeepers are crucial in finals. Firstly, what do you think of Nico Sarmiento?
Sarmiento has grown a lot every year. In 2016, when Argentina became champions, he was fundamental. He was one of their biggest standouts, if not their biggest. In 2021 as well with Argentina reaching the final. They lost 2-1 but he stood out throughout the whole World Cup. Now, once again, another final and he’s in the Argentina goal. No national team reaches three World Cups without a goalkeeper who makes the difference. Sarmiento played in Brazil. This helped him develop a lot. The World Cup is his competition. He’s had three impeccable World Cups.

And Willian and Guitta?
Willian and Guitta have been sharing minutes. I’m a big fan of Guitta. I played alongside Guitta for a lot of years. I played against Willian. They’re great goalkeepers, as is Roncaglio. The two serve Brazil really well. I’m a big fan of Guitta because of how complete he is: he plays with his feet, with his hands, he makes impossible saves. I think that is the big question going into this final: who will play, Willian or Guitta? In my [WhatsApp] group with my friends, that’s what everyone is asking. They have slightly different characteristics, but no matter who plays, Brazil will be in good hands.