Brazil win Footvolley World Cup in Dubai

Brazil won the first ever Footvolley World Cup held in the Middle East when they defeated Paraguay in a thrilling final 18-16 18-15 at The Walk, JBR in Dubai on Saturday.

The Brazilian duo Fabio Tenorio and Alexandre Dantas displayed superb understanding to execute their football skills and prevail over the top-ranked opposition with a near flawless performance.

Organised by the Dubai Sports Council (DSC) and UAE Volleyball Association, it was held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of DSC.

Footvolley which originated in Brazil in 1965 is a combination of football and beach volleyball without the use of hands.

Overwhelmed by their spectacular triumph and support for the Brazilian teams which took part in the competition by the appreciative crowd, Dantas dedicated his second Footvolley World Cup victory to the people of Dubai.

"I'm happy to be in Dubai and felt like playing at home because lot of fans supported Brazil. However, I dedicate this victory to the people of Dubai," said an elated Dantas after receiving the Golden World Footvolley Cup and winner's cheque of $14,000 from the chief guest Sheikh Mohammed Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum.

Paraguayan duo Jesus and Quicho were consoled with the runner-up prize of $7,000 after a gritty performance against their more experienced opponents.   

They called the shots in the early stages of the final surging to a 6-3 lead before the Brazilian pair clawed their way back to nose ahead 12-10.

The Brazilians never looked back thereafter With Tenorio setting up good balls for Dantas who scored many winners by heading into empty with good angles.

They continued in similar vein in the second set surging to a 7-3 lead with luck also rolling their way in the nets.

But the Paraguayan duo showed they had fight left in them as they fought back to draw level 7-7. Exploiting the discomfort felt by Dantas when he hurt himself in an attempt to retrieve a difficult return, Paraguay fought point for point.

The second set was tantalisingly poised at 15-all. With Dantas appearing to lose his cool, Tenorio calmed his teammate's nerves by hammering home winners with beautifully place headers for Brazil to emerge victorious.

Asked about the close second set which saw Dantas frustrated at times, the 12-time Brazilian Footvolley champion said it was his way of raising the level of game. "I was always confident of victory," said Dantas.

In the semifinals, Paraguay beat Spain 18-11 18-8 while Brazil beat Italy 18-14 18-5.

Italy won the bronze medal playoff against Spain.

A women's exhibition match between Brazilian teams was held before the men's final.

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