Espinho, Portugal – Germany and Ukraine have earned their places in the women`s final of the fourth CEV Beach Volley Nations Cup Finals, following impressive victories in their respective semifinal matches held on Saturday. Both nations are now set to compete for the prestigious title on Sunday.
Playing at the Praia da Baía in Espinho, the German and Ukrainian teams emerged victorious against Spain and the Netherlands, respectively. They are now poised to battle for the gold medal in a series scheduled for Sunday, with matches at 14:30 and 15:30 local time. A golden set will be played if needed to determine the champion.
This final presents a compelling matchup between two countries with distinct legacies in European beach volleyball. Germany, a traditional powerhouse, boasts a remarkable record of nine EuroBeachVolley titles won by their women`s teams. In contrast, Ukraine is a rapidly emerging force on the continent, and Sunday`s final offers them an opportunity to achieve their first major success at this elite level.
Germany`s Path to the Final
As the top team from Pool A in Espinho, Germany faced a tough challenge against Spain in the semifinals, requiring tie-breakers in both duels to secure their win. The first match saw Sandra Ittlinger and Anna-Lena Grüne orchestrate a comeback to defeat Sofía González and Ana Vergara 2-1 (17-21, 21-18, 15-8).
The second encounter, featuring two teams that competed in last year’s Paris Olympics, saw reigning EuroBeachVolley champions Svenja Müller and Cinja Tillmann edge out Daniela Álvarez and Tania Moreno in another thrilling three-set contest (17-21, 22-20, 15-13), solidifying Germany`s place in the final.
Ukraine`s Dominant Performance
Ukraine, who led Pool B in Portugal, demonstrated a more straightforward path to the final, sweeping defending champions the Netherlands in two matches. Valentyna Davidova and Anhelina Khmil initiated their team`s success by comfortably handling Mila Konink and Raïsa Schoon in straight sets (21-15, 21-18).
The second match also favored Ukraine, as Maryna Hladun and Tetiana Lazarenko swiftly defeated Emi van Driel and Wies Bekhuis in two sets (21-19, 21-13), confirming Ukraine`s overall victory and progression to the gold medal match.
Final Match Schedule
On Sunday, the championship series will commence with Ittlinger/Grüne facing Davidova/Khmil at 14:30 local time. One hour later, at 15:30, Müller/Tillmann will challenge Hladun/Lazarenko in what promises to be an exciting conclusion.
Introduced to the European beach volleyball calendar in 2022, the Beach Nations Cup is a dynamic “country vs country” competition, drawing parallels to tennis`s Davis Cup format, adding an exciting dimension to the sport.
Finley Blackwood 
Jasper Thornfield