„Everywhere there is music playing, people are singing and shouting, water is pouring everywhere“, – Cristian Borruto attempted to describe the team's celebration in the Argentina dressing room. It was just a few minutes after La Albiceleste's triumph against Brazil in the FIFA Futsal World Cup semi-final. The victory against their main rival led Argentina to the second consecutive final.
„I have no doubt that they are singing a traditional song,– he said. – There are many versions, all of them are in cumbia style“. After defeating the Brazilians and reaching the final, the Argentinians now seem obliged to continue their singing traditions. As the players traveled to the arenas by bus, they sang before and after the matches. Shortly after the final whistle, the songs rang out in the Kaunas arena, on the court and in the dressing room.
The world champions' goals were encoded in the songs. The 34-year-old forward, who is playing in his fourth World Cup, confirmed this: „We came to Lithuania to fight for trophies. We will see who we will play in the final and then prepare. Now it's time to rest, recharge the batteries. But no matter who we play against. We will play in our usual style“.
During the post-match celebration, it was somewhat unexpected to see that the humble number 9 Albiceleste did not immediately join the team in celebrating and the triumphant dances. The seemingly introverted player – who rarely gives interviews – after the final whistle seemed lost in thought for a while.
„I have certain thoughts, problems, and besides, I am not a big reveler, – he said, rolling his eyes. – But I am excited because of this goal – reaching the final – we worked for a long time“.
Although it was not easy for him to admit, in the first half he was one of the best players on the team, and his two strikes contributed to both team's goals. Especially beautiful was the second one, after a combination in which all team members participated.
The first goal could also have fallen to him, but Constantino Vaporaki, as if affirming it on the line, put his foot down and the ball flew into the net after a touch by a teammate. However, the forward, who plays for "Italservice Pesaro" in Italy, did not mind.
„It does not matter who scores the goal, – he said. – I am interested only in winning. Whether it is Constantino's goal or mine, winning is the most important thing“.
Regardless of who scored the goals, it is precisely the number of C. Borruto's goals that suggests he is one of the most prominent players in the history of the Argentine futsal national team. In the match against Brazil, he scored his fourth goal in the Lithuanian championship. Adding the goals from 2016 in Colombia and 2012 in Thailand (he did not score any goals in 2008), he now has a total of 13 goals in world championships.
With this number, C. Borruto is unquestionably the most productive Argentine player in the tournament. After a precise shot against the USA in the first match, he exceeded former teammate Carlos Sanchez (9 goals).
„I played with Carlos in Naples and at the 2008 World Cup, but I have less contact with players from the older generation. I was a rookie at that tournament,– C. Borruto admitted. – But I am very happy about my 13 goals and being the top scorer. Although I did not aim for that title, it is nice to have it“.
His goals also helped the team reach the World Cup final for the second time. The chance to write a second championship title on his account and a second star on the jerseys is now approaching. But the plans of the player born in Buenos Aires are simple: „I want to talk to my children and friends, and then we will relax with the guys over dinner“.
Approaching dinner, Borruto admitted to having one small desire that coach Matias Lucuix would surely fulfill. „It would be nice to raise a glass“, – the forward smiled.
The occasion is unusual – Argentina defeated Brazil for the first time at the Futsal World Cup and will now fight for the title in the second consecutive final. The final match between Argentina and Portugal in Kaunas Arena starts at 8 p.m. The bronze medal match between Brazil and Kazakhstan will start at 6 p.m.
