Brazil wins 2012 Footvolley 4x4 World Cup

Led by former soccer star Renato Gaucho, Brazil 2 defeated Paraguay in the finals of the 2012 World Cup of 4x4 footvolley on Saturday. With a score of 2 games to 1, the Brazilians won the second annual international tournament. In order to reach the finals, Gaucho's team had to pass through Brazil 1, led by soccer legend and current Brazilian congressman Romario. Brazil 2 beat Brazil 1 25-17 in the semifinals, earning a trip to the finals and bragging rights. In the other semifinals matchup, Paraguay beat Italy 25-19 to advance to the finals. In the finals, Brazil 2 relied on the support of the locals on Copacabana beach and battled to a 2 sets to 1 victory (25-19, 22-25 and 15-14), causing for much celebration. Romario's Brazil 1 beat Italy 25-18 in the consolation round, winning third place. Romario was recently chosen the ambassador of the sport with the goal of popularizing the event in order to make it an Olympic sport for the 2020 Games. On March 25 and 25, the Brazilian city of Curitiba will host the 2012 Footvolley 2 x 2 World Cup.