When it comes to futsal, Pablo Taborda has lived the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Eight years ago, he was a member of the Argentina team that claimed top honours at FIFA Futsal World Cup Colombia 2016™, only to fall painfully shy of a title repeat five years later in Lithuania.

Now heading into his fourth global showpiece in Uzbekistan this September, the 37-year-old acknowledges that he is nearing the end of his storied international career, but still feels like he has enough to lead his beloved national team to a second crown. FIFA spoke to the Argentinian about their Group C opponents, that 2016 triumph and the secret to staying calm before big matches.

What are your thoughts on drawing Ukraine, Angola and Afghanistan in your FIFA Futsal World Cup group?
Pablo Taborda: I think the draw was good for us. I think it goes without saying that we will be playing Ukraine for top spot in the group if things play out as expected. If we can get that first-place finish, we would then play a third-place team, but once you get to the quarter-finals things start to get complicated. We might end up facing Morocco or Portugal, but in a World Cup you have to be able to beat anyone.

Who do you think are the main contenders to win the title?
I think right now that Brazil are a slight step ahead of everyone else. Spain are quite good, Portugal of course are the reigning champions. They shouldn’t be taken lightly and are still one of the strongest teams. While we might not be like the last World Cup team, we showed in the last Copa America that Argentina are still a power. We may have lost the final, but we dominated for 40 minutes and it just ended up going the other way. Still, I would put us among the contenders.

Will this be your last World Cup?
Yes, this World Cup will be my last. I’ll turn 38 while we are in Uzbekistan and I think it’s the right time for the younger players coming up, who are doing a great job and are playing in the biggest leagues, to start to taking control of the national team. If I could, I would play my whole life in the national team, but it’s normal that you can’t because of age.

What is your secret to staying in playing shape at 37?
I think regardless of my age I’m in one of the best shapes of my career. I take good care of myself with a good diet, training, the mental side as well. My family have helped me a lot with that, but I think my diet and training have been key. The truth is that I feel very good. I think I’ve shown that here in Spain with my club on a daily basis, and I feel really good going into this World Cup.

Where do you rank Nico Sarmiento among the world’s best goalkeepers?
Nico shows why he’s one of the best in each tournament he plays. In the last two World Cups he was named the best goalkeeper, which isn’t easy at all, so when he’s healthy he’s one of the best goalkeepers that exists.

You play at club level with Argentina team-mates Alan Brandi and Matias Rosa. What are your thoughts on those two players?
I think right now they are two of the best pivots in the world, aside from Ferrao when he’s healthy, but for me those two are the best pivots in the world, in the top five for sure. I think they prove that and that gives us a great advantage in the national team.

How did it feel to win the 2016 World Cup?
It’s the most wonderful feeling I have ever had in my sporting life. It doesn’t compare with any other title or any other moment. It was incredible what we were able to achieve and how we achieved it. It had been 12 years of going to finals, winning Copa Americas, finishing first in qualifying, so we were able to create a wonderful legacy by growing the sport in Argentina.

How were the celebrations?
The celebrations were beautiful! My only regret is that I didn’t get to celebrate as much because as soon as we returned to Argentina, I had to go back to Italy. The league had already started and I was captain of my team, so I had to return. But from what I know from the guys that stayed, the celebrations were crazy. I also enjoyed it in my own way with my family and friends.