Incredible EuroBeachVolley Semi-finals set up stunning Medal Matches
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The final day of what has been an enthralling week of beach volleyball in The Netherlands at the CEV EuroBeachVolley 2024 got off to an incredible start in The Hague with the men's semi-finals!
First on the court were Germany and Italy, through duos Ehlers/Wickler, silver medalists at the Paris 2024 Olympics just a week ago and Cottafava/Nicolai, a team having an incredible season so far.
Many looked at this match as the potential final and both teams surely lived up to those expectations, delivering beach volleyball of the highest level. The Italians started off stronger with Paolo Nicolai in great form at the net, taking control of the first set and winning it by a narrow but comfortable margin in the end. The second set brought the awaited German comeback, showing how neither of these teams is ready to relinquish an amazing opportunity of being in the Gold Medal match.
A tie-break was needed to separate the two, and it was filled with moments of magic from both teams, gathering every bit of energy they could muster. In the end, it was the Germans Ehlers/Wickler narrowly winning the third set to qualify for the second huge Final in a row, after Paris and heartbreak for the Italians who had poured their heart out for an epic semi-final.
The second semi-final of the day saw home crowd favourites, Dutch van de Velde/Immers take on the Latvians Plavins/Fokerots on the Centre Court in The Hague. Despite the noise made by the Dutch fans, the Latvians kept their composure and plowed through for a first set win.
The second set seemed to be about the comeback of the Dutch, managing to distance themselves on the scoring board towards the halfway point of the set. Never count out the Latvians though, and after an amazing series of net plays they were right back in the lead, shocking everyone watching. They kept it going until the end, securing a minimal points win and claiming their spot in the Final and celebrating through a huge burst of energy and pride.
