The Hague, the Netherlands, July 5, 2015 – The Hague turned orange on Sunday evening for Reinder Nummerdor and Christian Varenhorst, but it was the green and gold of Brazil that eventually came out on top in the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championship men’s final as Alison Cerutti and Bruno Oscar Schmidt sealed a thrilling 12-21, 21-14, 22-20 win over the home heroes.
It was the first time the two teams had met, and Alison/Bruno had to overcome some vocal home support to claim Alison’s second and Bruno’s maiden title.
Proceedings began after a loud and passionate singing of the Dutch national anthem. Nummerdor/Varenhorst fed off that crowd and quickly took a 7-4 lead. Three monstrous blocks from Varenhorst extended that to 10-4. Alison/Bruno tried to reduce the Dutch advantage, but the home fans rallied the home duo and another big Varenhorst block gave them the opener.
Alison/Bruno seemed to find their feet in the second, putting the pressure on three-time European champion Nummerdor and 2008 U21 World Championship silver medallist Varenhorst. The Brazilians continued to pile points on their opponents, and a serve error and misplaced spike from Varenhorst put the Brazilians right back in the match.
The pressure seemed to ease at the beginning off the third, as Nummerdor/Varenhorst again used their home advantage to go 6-3 up. Alison/Bruno drew level at 10-all and then took the lead 11-10. Nummerdor/Varenhorst regained control briefly at 13-12 but Brazil again went ahead with Alison, a world champion in Rome 2011 with Emanuel, serving an ace. But the tables tilted once again in favour of the Dutch for their first match point. Alison/Bruno received well and levelled, only to be denied at match point. Each side dug deep to leave as the Hofjiver as champions but it was Alison/Bruno who saved six match points to clinch the set – the highest scoring of the tournament – and claim their first World Championship as a duo.