The scenic Praia da Baía in Espinho, Portugal, is gearing up to host the 2025 CEV Beach Volley Nations Cup Finals. This event marks a significant moment in the European beach volleyball calendar, bringing together elite women`s national teams in a unique “country versus country” format, often drawing parallels to the intensity of the Davis Cup in tennis.
Eight nations have earned their place on these sands, including the host nation, Portugal. They are joined by seven other countries that successfully navigated the preliminary phase: Estonia, France, Germany, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Spain, and Ukraine. The convergence of these national squads promises a high-stakes competition filled with compelling matchups.
Competition Format and Key Teams
The structure of the Finals involves dividing the eight qualified nations into two pools of four. Following the pool play stage, the top three teams from each pool will advance to the knockout rounds. A strategic advantage is awarded to the pool winners, who bypass the quarterfinals and proceed directly to the semifinals. The teams finishing second and third in their respective pools will face off in the quarterfinal stage, battling for a spot in the final four.
The roster of athletes participating in Espinho underscores the high level of competition. Notably, the event features *eleven* players who recently competed at the Paris Olympics, providing a direct measure of the talent pool present.
Leading the charge is Germany, spearheaded by the formidable duo of **Svenja Müller and Cinja Tillmann**. As reigning EuroBeachVolley champions and bronze medalists from the 2022 World Championship, their presence highlights the caliber of the tournament. Fresh from their Olympic campaign, one might anticipate they are either finely tuned or perhaps seeking a slightly less intense, though no less desired, continental title. They are joined by veteran blocker **Sandra Ittlinger** and the promising defender **Anna-Lena Grüne**, forming a robust German team.
France arrives with significant Olympic experience, fielding both teams that represented the nation in Paris: **Lézana Placette/Alexia Richard** and **Clémence Vieira/Aline Chamereau**. With four Olympians in their squad, the French contingent certainly commands attention.
Spain`s challenge is spearheaded by **Daniela Álvarez and Tania Moreno**, the 2023 EuroBeachVolley silver medalists and fellow Paris Olympians. They combine forces with **Sofía González and Ana Vergara**, creating a dynamic Spanish lineup eager to make their mark.
Lithuania also brings an Olympic pairing in **Monika Paulikiene and Aine Raupelyte**, who will compete alongside **Ariana Rudkoviskaja and Skalve Krizanauskaite**.
Defending champions, the Netherlands, feature the only athlete in the field with two Olympic appearances: **Raisa Schoon** (Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024). Schoon pairs with **Mila Konink**, supported by **Emi van Driel and Wies Bekhuis**, both key members of the triumphant 2024 Dutch squad.
Hosts Portugal will rely on the pairings of **Gabriela Coelho/Mariana Maia** and **Vanessa Paquete/Beatriz Lacerda** to leverage home-court advantage and the energy of the local fans on Praia da Baía.
Ukraine, a nation steadily rising in prominence on the European circuit, fields strong teams in **Anhelina Khmil/Valentyna Davidova** and **Maryna Hladun/Tetiana Lazarenko**, both having demonstrated solid international performance this season.
Completing the competitive lineup is Estonia, who impressed during the Preliminary Phase by securing qualification over established nations like Poland. The Estonian teams, **Heleene Hollas/Keira Lukas** and **Eva Kuivonen/Liisa-Lotta Jürgenson**, will look to continue their journey as potential tournament dark horses.
The Path Through the Tournament
The women`s competition kicks off with pool play running from Thursday through Friday. The stakes escalate on Friday afternoon with the quarterfinal matches. Saturday is reserved for the critical semifinal clashes, determining which nations will compete for the ultimate prize. The grand finale, the gold medal match, is scheduled to take place on Sunday, concluding the event.
With reigning European champions, a significant contingent of Olympians, and ambitious national teams all converging on Espinho, the 2025 CEV Beach Volley Nations Cup Finals are poised to deliver a thrilling spectacle of high-level beach volleyball. Fans can anticipate intense battles for national honors on the picturesque Portuguese sand.
Torin Vale 
Gideon Holt