Cherif Younousse guided hosts Qatar into the quarter-finals of the 4x4 volleyball at the ANOC World Beach Games 2019 yesterday.
At the Gharafa Sports Complex, Younousse scored match-high 10 points in Qatar’s 2-0 (21-18 21-15) win over Germany, their third win in the competition. 
Attacker Ziad Benlouaer also chipped in with six points and Seifeddine Elmajid scored five. Dan John and Julian Schupritt were the main scorers for Germany with seven and six points, respectively.
“I’m happy with how my players found the solutions in different situations tonight. I am also happy with the Qatar team topping the pool,” Qatar’s coach Mariano Baracetti said.
“We’re in the knockout and will hopefully continue to lift our level,” the Argentine said.
Earlier in the day, Qatar came back from behind to beat World No 13 USA 2-1 (16-21, 21-10, 15-10) to record their second win in the tournament in front of home fans at centre court.
“We have improved a lot compared to our previous two matches. The format is new for all of us and we’ve have not been able to practise enough. But we showed tremendous improvement and played much better tonight,” said Younousse after their win over Germany.
“The next match is very important as we’re in the knockout stage now. Hopefully, the same or bigger crowd will turn up on Monday to cheer us,” he said.
Younousse led the scoring with 19 points, including four blocks. Elmajid also chipped in with 11, including 10 points at the net. Benlouaer and Messelmani also provided good support.
“It is amazing to beat these strong teams and finish on the top. With Cherif and Seif doing well on the net, the tactics are paying off well. We’re happy to reach the quarter-finals,” setter Denis Messelmani said.
USA took second place after beating Indonesia 2-0 in another late night pool match. Germany are third, while Indonesia, who had lost to Qatar 1-2, defeated Germany 2-1 (21-19, 18-21, 16-13) in an exciting match.
In the women’s section, Brazil remained unbeaten in the Group A with a 2-0 victory over USA yesterday.
“I think we are a little bit more in sync inside the court, trying to adjust a few of the little details. But overall it was a really good result,” said Brazil’s Barbara Seixas de Freitas.
Talking about their plans in the knockout stage she said: “We were looking at the game with Australia and Vanuatu. We try and figure out how other teams are playing as well. There’s a lot of different plays you can make with one team. I hope we can continue with this rhythm and doing our best.”
Barbara is looking at the new 4x4 format with positivity as she said: “I think we are all really motivated but also open-minded about this format, because it’s really different for us. I think for me being able to get to know a little bit more about the girls, a little bit more about their game. Normally we play against each other so now we are playing together. It’s been fun.”


RESULTS
Men’s
Group A
Qatar beat US 1-2 (16-21, 21-10, 15-10)
Indonesia beat Germany 2-1 (21-19, 18-21, 15-3)
Qatar beat Germany 2-0 (21-18, 21-15)
US beat Indonesia 2-0 (21-18 23-21)
Group B
Chile beat Mozambique 2-0 (21-17, 21-19)
Australia beat Poland 2-0 (23-21 23-15)