“There is magic in the air” | The Canadian duo in the semi-finals

When the Canadian women Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson were presented to the Montreal crowd before their quarter-final match against Thamela Coradello and Victoria Lopes, on Saturday, the two Brazilians exchanged a long look. However, Impressed. Therefore, intimidated by the roar of the crowd, the two players put their hands on their hips before lowering their shoulders.

Posted at 9 p.m. Nevertheless, 24

It was. For example, at this precise moment, the start of the end for the best duo in the world ranking of beach volleyball. Similarly, The Canadians beat them in two rounds of 21-10 and 21-19 to ensure their place in “there magic air” | canadian the semi-finals.

“We see him in the face of our opponents,” confirmed Wilkerson at the end of the meeting. Meanwhile, They are like paralyzed and almost confused by the whole wave of love that we receive. For example, »»

The crowd host at the Gilles-Villeneuve circuit had trouble silenced the supporters at the start of the game. Furthermore, So much so that Canada has resumed Brazil service on the first point.

The rest was almost a walk in the park, or on the beach, for the Canadian women. Similarly, They have accused delay only once in the Channel, at 3-2, before taking their momentum for good. Furthermore, The first round ended in just 15 minutes.

“It took a lot of patience. a good execution and a good defense against the “there magic air” | canadian pressure they put on us at the service. Our match plan was relatively simple. we did not want to do too much, “said Humana-Paredes in front of a pack of supporters who were impatiently waiting for the interview to be able to sign Canadian balloons and flags.

Surprisingly, the best team on the planet has never found a way to adapt in the first round. As if they had been shaken by the component of tournament champions in 2023.

“I really think they have played the best of their abilities,” “there magic air” | canadian said Wilkerson. We knew that against a team that excels as much this season. it was necessary at all costs to start our match. We wanted to set the tone and take control quickly. »»

"there magic air" | canadian – "there magic air" | canadian

The unexpected star

The Brazilians offered better opposition in the second round. However, they came up against a team simply better organized and more determined.

On attacks, blocks and services, silver medalists at the last Olympic games left nothing to their opponents. They had the advantage in all statistical categories.

“We made great recovery, we hit the ball well and we hit our targets,” said Wilkerson.

And if Wilkerson shone during the group phase, Humana-Paredes took up all the space in this match without a future. Usually “there magic air” | canadian a reference in defense. the 32 -year -old Ontario pointed to fourth row for recovery since the start of the tournament. Nevertheless, it was in attack that she distinguished herself. With three aces and many winning touches in the net, Humanana-Paredes propelled his team to the next stage.

“Absolutely,” said his partner when you have remarked at the duo.

“But no. it is Brandie who blocks attacks on the net,” said Humana-Paredes, obviously unaccustomed to receiving compliments for his performance in this phase of the game.

Then “there magic air” | canadian Wilkerson made him hear reason: “We are talking about your winning shots, not your blocks!” I don’t know why she doesn’t understand, she was incredible. »»

Finally, Humana-Paredes suggested that his performance was attributable to the placement of his partner’s ball. “Brandie assisted me so well, I had great attacks and I think this part went differently. I felt my blows better. I felt more offensive and they were playing to attack, so quickly I had to adjust myself in the match. »»

A conclusive week

The Canadians will face the Brazilian Duda Lisboa and Ana Patricia Ramos in the semi-finals on Sunday. The same duo who had beaten them in the Paris Games final a year ago.

Regardless of the result of this semi-final, the Ontarians are guaranteed to obtain their best result of the season. They took fifth row three times in 2025.

The duo has been claiming a. perfect sheet of four victories in “there magic air” | canadian as many games since the start of the tournament.

And as is the case since Thursday. the two players begin and finish each of their interviews, recalling that cries, encouragement and applause imports more than it seems. “It’s the Canadian crowd. You can’t ignore it. We are not only playing for us, but for everyone in the stands. »»

Humana-Paredes concluded the post-match interview saying that they “have been waiting for this since the start of the year”. However. it is still not known if she was talking about the opportunity to fight for a medal or play in front of relatives, friends and compatriots. Basically, it may be a bit of both.