Ukraine secured their spot in the final by defeating defending champions, the Netherlands, with two straight-set victories.
Espinho, Portugal – The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the fourth edition of the 2025 CEV Beach Volley Nations Cup Finals. Germany and Ukraine have earned their places in the women`s gold medal match, following their impressive semifinal triumphs on Saturday.
Contesting at the picturesque Praia da Baía, Germany clinched their spot by overcoming Spain in a hard-fought battle, while Ukraine delivered a commanding performance to defeat the reigning champions, the Netherlands. These decisive victories pave the way for an exciting championship clash on Sunday, with matches scheduled for 14:30 and 15:30 local time. Should the series be tied after these two encounters, a decisive golden set will be played to determine the champion.
This gold medal match will showcase two nations with differing legacies in European beach volleyball. Germany has historically been a dominant force, boasting an impressive nine EuroBeachVolley titles with its women`s teams. In contrast, Ukraine represents a rising power within the continent, aiming for what could be its first major success at this high-level competition.
Germany, who emerged victorious from Pool A in Espinho, faced a challenging semifinal against Spain, needing tie-breakers in both duels to secure their advancement. Sandra Ittlinger and Anna-Lena Grüne initiated their nation`s success with a resilient comeback, defeating Sofía González and Ana Vergara 2-1 (17-21, 21-18, 15-8).
The second German-Spanish encounter also extended to three sets and featured players who competed at last year`s Paris Olympics. Reigning EuroBeachVolley champions Svenja Müller and Cinja Tillmann ultimately sealed Germany`s overall victory by overcoming Daniela Álvarez and Tania Moreno 2-1 (17-21, 22-20, 15-13).
Ukraine, having topped Pool B in Portugal, enjoyed a more seamless route to the final against the Netherlands, achieving two straight-set victories. The first win came courtesy of Valentyna Davidova and Anhelina Khmil, who efficiently dispatched Mila Konink and Raïsa Schoon in two sets (21-15, 21-18).
Maryna Hladun and Tetiana Lazarenko completed Ukraine`s clean sweep, requiring only two sets (21-19, 21-13) to defeat Emi van Driel and Wies Bekhuis, thereby confirming Ukraine`s well-deserved spot in the final.
Anticipated Gold Medal Match Schedule (Sunday):
- 14:30 local time: Sandra Ittlinger/Anna-Lena Grüne (Germany) vs. Valentyna Davidova/Anhelina Khmil (Ukraine)
- 15:30 local time: Svenja Müller/Cinja Tillmann (Germany) vs. Maryna Hladun/Tetiana Lazarenko (Ukraine)
- *A decisive golden set will follow if the series result is 1-1.
The Beach Nations Cup, an innovative “country vs. country” competition format similar to the Davis Cup in tennis, was introduced to the European beach volleyball calendar in 2022, adding an exciting and competitive dimension to the sport.
