The picturesque Praia da Baía in Espinho, Portugal, witnessed a day of intense competition as the 2025 CEV Beach Volley Nations Cup Finals entered its thrilling quarterfinal stage. As the sand settled on Saturday, two nations, Austria and Spain, emerged victorious, securing their coveted spots in the men`s semifinals. They now join the formidable pool winners, Norway and the Netherlands, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion to this unique “country vs. country” tournament on Sunday.
Austria`s Resilient Advance
Having finished second in Pool B, the Austrian contingent faced a determined Lithuanian team in their quarterfinal clash. The series began with Julian Hörl and Philipp Waller representing Austria against Lithuania`s Robert Juchnevic and Artur Vasiljev. It was a nail-biting affair, pushing both teams to their limits before the Austrians clinched the tie-breaker with a 15-9 victory in the third set (18-21, 21-18, 15-9). This crucial first point set the tone.
Following their compatriots` hard-fought win, Tim Berger and Timo Hammarberg stepped onto the sand with a clear mission. They delivered a commanding performance against Arnas Rumsevicius and Karolis Palubinskas, securing a decisive sweep with scores of 21-15 and 21-14. This clean second victory cemented Austria`s place in the semifinals, showcasing their depth and composure under pressure.
Austrian players celebrate their hard-earned victory over Lithuania in the quarterfinals.
Spain Triumphs in Iberian Derby
Hours later, the focus shifted to the “Iberian Derby” as Spain, runners-up in Pool A, took on the host nation, Portugal. Playing on home sand, the Portuguese had the crowd`s full backing, adding an extra layer of intensity to the encounter.
Spain started strong with Álvaro Viera and Antonio Saucedo delivering a masterclass against the brothers Gonçalo and Tomas Sousa, sweeping them 21-17, 21-14. This put the pressure squarely on Portugal to respond.
The second match featured the Huerta brothers, Alejandro and Javier, for Spain, against Hugo Campos and João Pedrosa of Portugal. In a match that exemplified the competitive spirit of the tournament, the Huerta brothers battled through three sets, ultimately prevailing 2-1 (20-22, 21-19, 15-11). Their victory confirmed Spain`s progress to the semifinals, a commendable feat on the home turf of their rivals. One might even suggest the Spanish enjoyed the silence of the crowd following their decisive wins.
Spain overcame the home advantage of Portugal to advance to the semifinals.
The Semifinal Showdowns
With Austria and Spain completing the elite quartet, the stage is now perfectly set for Sunday`s semifinals. The matchups promise high-stakes drama and top-tier beach volleyball action:
- Austria vs. Netherlands: Set for 9:30 and 10:30 local time. The Dutch, having dominated their pool, will present a formidable challenge to the resilient Austrians. This match pits consistency against a team that has proven its ability to perform under pressure.
- Spain vs. Norway: Kicking off at 12:00 and 13:00 local time. Norway, another team with a strong pool play performance, will face a Spanish side brimming with confidence after their Derby win. Expect tactical battles and powerful plays.
The winners of these two series will then face off in the final, also scheduled for Sunday, to determine the champion of the 2025 CEV Beach Volley Nations Cup.
The Unique Nations Cup Format
Introduced to the European beach volleyball calendar in 2022, the Beach Nations Cup offers a compelling twist on traditional tournament formats. Eschewing individual pair rankings, it focuses on a “country vs. country” competition, drawing parallels to the prestigious Davis Cup in tennis. This format amplifies national pride and team cohesion, as the collective performance of a nation`s top pairs determines their fate. It`s a true test of a country`s beach volleyball program, not just its star players.
As the sun prepares to rise on the final day in Espinho, the anticipation is palpable. National anthems will be played, rivalries reignited, and the quest for continental supremacy will reach its peak. Beach volleyball enthusiasts worldwide will be keenly watching to see which nations will ultimately stand tall.
Torin Vale