Samba flair prevails as Brazil lift Footvolley World Cup

DUBAI // The inventors of the game, Brazil, fought off tough competition from top-ranked side in the world, Paraguay, to win the Footvolley World Cup at The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence in Dubai on Saturday.

The Brazilian duo of Fabio and Alessandro - easily the most popular side at the tournament - edged out Paraguay's Quicho and Jesus in straight sets 18-16, 18-15 in an enthralling battle of style against pragmatism.

Paraguay held on until the very end in a final of long, skilful rallies, only to break at the very last in each set. They were even at 14 in the first set, only to lose way; they fought back from 2-6 down in the second to take it to 15-15 before again failing to close the game out.

Both sides had worked their way comfortably through the quarter-finals and semi-finals on the final day of the tournament, in front of a small but enthusiastic crowd.

Brazil beat Italy in straight sets in the first semi-final and Paraguay beat Spain in the other earlier in the day.

Brazil had beaten the second Brazilian team in the quarter-finals earlier, while Paraguay had also beaten another team from Paraguay at the same stage to begin the day.

Italy took third place and Spain fourth in the play-offs. All games on Saturday were played over three sets and to 18 points as opposed to the earlier rounds of one set, up to 21.