Brazil and German advance – just!

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Maria (left) and Carol celebrate their victory to seal their passage into the semifinals

There were smiles on the faces of both teams after Maria Antontelli and Carol Solberg defeated home favorites Chantal Laboureur and Julia Sude on the Red Bull Beach Arena.

The 23-21, 21-17 victory for the Brazilians was enough for them to top the group and secure a place in the semifinals, while the Germans made it through to the quarterfinals having scored two vital points.

In the mixed zone after the match, both teams spoke of their relief and delight and continuing their Hamburg Finals adventure.

“I’m emotional right now,” said Maria. “We were both thinking a lot of what we needed during the game but I don’t think I have a brain right now because it’s been so difficult.

“Now starts another tournament, we are in the semifinals but we now need to forget about what has happened and think about another tournament.”

Carol added: “We need to rest now and keep our focus, that’s the most important thing. Other teams will play another game today. We’ll focus and come back tomorrow, do our best and have fun.”

It was a nail-biting wait for Chantal and Julia, who managed to oust Americans Summer Ross and Sara Hughes by just two points to advance to the quarterfinals.

“It was tricky, before the game as we knew if won we would top the pool and if we lose then there was a big chance we’d be out,” explained Chantal. “The difference between finishing first and finishing four was really small. I said in my first interview this week that every point counts, and that’s how it has turned out.

“I want to see it on paper first before I believe it, but I’m happy that we’re through – if we’re through.”

The Germans will face a quarterfinal match with whichever team finishes second in pool A – which will be decided in the next hour.

Watch all the matches today, live on BeachStream, including the men’s semifinals and finals.