Brazil Wins Back-to-Back Pan Am Junior

Title and Secures Spot in Lima 2027

ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay, August 22, 2025. Brazil claimed back-to-back gold in the men’s volleyball tournament at the II Junior Pan American Games Asunción 2025, after defeating Argentina in a dramatic five-set final 3-2 (22-25, 25-15, 22-25, 27-25, 15-3) at the Arena COP, also securing their qualification to the 2027 Pan American Games in Lima.

Brazil closed the event undefeated with a 5-0 record, while Argentina (4-2) suffered its only two losses against the Brazilians, both in extended five-set battles.

Argentina started strong in the opening set, jumping to a 6-0 lead behind Denis Cabañas and Nahuel Rojas, along with a block from Nicolás Oldani. Brazil calmly worked their way back, tying at 14 thanks to blocks from Witallo de Sousa and Thiery Oliveira. However, a late surge by Cabañas sealed the set 25-22 for Argentina.

In the second set, Brazil responded with a more organized game, led by Samuel Carazzai, Maicon dos Santos, and Juan Pablo da Gama. With an attack from Witallo and an Argentine error, the Brazilians closed 25-15 to even the match.

The third set was once again balanced. Brazil led 16-13 with Carazzai and Witallo as key figures, but Argentina regained control down the stretch with Rojas and Cabañas, taking it 25-22 for a 2-1 lead.

In the fourth, Argentina built a 9-4 advantage, but Brazil rallied to tie at 11. The set remained tight until the end, when Argentina earned two match points. However, costly errors allowed Brazil to recover and force a tie-break with a 27-25 win.

The fifth set was all Brazil: with intensity and precision, the defending champions dominated 15-3 against an error-prone Argentina to secure the title.

Brazil led in attacks (62-51) and blocks (16-8), while both sides finished with 7 service points. Errors were nearly identical: 27 from Brazil and 26 from Argentina.

Brazilian outside hitter Samuel Carazzai topped all scorers with 31 points, including a match-high 5 aces. He was supported by Maicon dos Santos with 21 points and Guilherme Amorim with 16. For Argentina, captain Denis Cabañas scored 24 points (4 aces), followed by Nahuel Rojas with 18 and Nahuel García with 12.

Brazilian head coach Nery Pereira said: “The game only ends when the referee blows the final whistle. Until then, there is hope and we keep fighting. This was a victory of the group, of resilience in the face of difficulties, and we were rewarded with the win, first place, because we never gave up.”