Michael Jordan drove his hulking frame east then, with the agility and balance of a ballerina, suddenly shifted west. His bodyguard Bryon Russell – wrong-footed – fell back helplessly. The Brooklynite duly dispatched, with 5.2 seconds on the clock, the jumper that snatched the Chicago Bulls a stunning 87-86 victory over the Utah Jazz and an historic three-peat.
It is arguably the most esteemed play in NBA history, the ‘The Last Shot’ of ‘The Last Dance’, the final act of Jordan’s immortal career in the red of the Bulls.
Innumerable awestruck kids grew up watching the six-time NBA MVP’s legendary ankle-breakers. One recently pulled a couple of his own to considerable fanfare. He was, however, a long way from ‘The House that Jordan Built’ and on a different type of court.
Arthur executed supersonic step-overs rather than entrancing cross-overs to leave not one but two opponents on their backsides during the recent Futsal Copa America. And like Jordan, his contribution was far from limited to crowd-thrilling. The 29-year-old chipped in with assists, finished as its joint-top scorer, was lauded by coach Marquinhos Xavier for his magnificent defensive contribution, and inspired Brazil to end their drought against arch-enemies Argentina and win the title.
If the man from Uberlandia – the birthplace of Neto, scorer of the sensational goal that snatched Brazil FIFA Futsal World Cup glory in 2012 – was a frightening prospect at Lithuania 2021, he will head to Uzbekistan 2024 as one of the sport’s most devastating performers.
How was your first experience at the FIFA Futsal World Cup in 2021?
Arthur: Unique, wonderful. I had never experienced anything like it. So many Brazilians would have loved to be there. I was really grateful and honoured to have the opportunity. I was a little bit nervous going into the World Cup, but it was unforgettable. To be there, to hear the national anthem, to represent your country is a source of great pride. Personally and professionally, it was an incredible experience.
Do you follow basketball and how did it feel to pull off two ankle-breakers at the Copa America?
(laughs) Yes, I follow basketball. I was a big Michael Jordan fan. As for my ankle-breakers, it’s my style of play! I’ve always had a knack for step-overs. I like to dribble, go at opponents. The step-overs are a weapon of mine and, at the Copa America, they came off to good effect.
Two hat-tricks for Benfica this season, another at the Copa America. You’ve become somewhat of a treble specialist…
I’m just trying to do my job. I never go out thinking about scoring a hat-trick. I always try to create chances for others and, when the opportunities come, try to take advantage of them. This season it’s obviously been nice though. If my hat-tricks help my club and my country, then I hope I can continue to score them!
Brazil had lost three straight games against Argentina. How important was it to beat them twice at the Copa America?
It was, without doubt, really important. The Seleção are obliged to win every game. As you said, we’d lost to Argentina three times running: in the World Cup, the Copa America and the [World Cup] qualifiers. For Brazil, it’s bad enough to lose three times running to anyone, but Brazil against Argentina is a derby, a huge game globally, it carries extra weight. We felt that extra pressure on us in the group stage. Fortunately we played well and won, and we beat Argentina again in the final. Argentina are one of the very best teams in the world. They were definitely two huge victories for us.
You’ve always been one of the most creative players around, but now you’re scoring even more prolifically and have improved a lot defensively. Do you think you’re in the best form of your career?
Yes. I think I’m come on so much since the last World Cup – on and off the court. I think I’m a lot better mentally, defensively and on the ball. I’ve worked hard on improving my understanding and reading of the game. I’m creating goals, scoring goals, helping my teams. I think I’m in the most fruitful phase of my career.
Portugal have dominated futsal in recent years. Who do you regard as the better team right now: Portugal or Brazil?
I can’t argue that Portugal have dominated futsal in recent years, but if I had to pick who is the best team right now, I’d say Brazil. Portugal have outstanding players and a great side, and so do we. The last twice we’ve played them, we’ve won, so I’d go with Brazil and hopefully we can prove this at the World Cup.
Do you believe this will be Brazil’s year?
I believe so. I think we had what it takes to win the last World Cup. Unfortunately, we lost a very close game and that was it. That’s futsal. But I think the Seleção are better now than we were three years ago. I think a lot of our key players are even better. We have a great coach, great players in all positions, and in terms of pivots we have an embarrassment of riches.