Brazil won the South American title and the Olympic quota for Los Angeles 2028, but the big clash with Argentina in “Maracanazinho” did not end with the last ball. Seconds after the end of the match, the tension between the two great rivals erupted, leading to a scrum and sharp remarks between the players.
The Brazilians defeated Argentina 3:0 (25:20, 25:23, 25:20), with the last point coming directly from Adriano's serve. Immediately after it, Darlan Souza turned to the opponents and made a demonstrative 'goodbye' gesture with his hand. The Argentinians reacted instantly, some of them crossed to the Brazilian half, and a serious scrum formed around the net.
After Darlan's gesture, passions flared, and a serious scuffle broke out near the net between players from both teams, writes the Brazilian publication Lance. The host captain Ricardo Lucarelli also joined the commotion, and coach Bernardinho stepped in among the players to help separate them. After a few tense moments, the situation was brought under control, and a more serious physical confrontation was avoided.
The Argentine perspective is different. TyC Sports emphasizes Darlan's action and describes his waving at the opponent as a provocation that caused the subsequent reaction. Infobae also writes that the Brazilian opposite's gesture was the reason several Argentine nationals went towards him to ask for an explanation. According to the publication, the experienced setter Luciano De Cecco was among those who tried to calm the situation, and the Argentine coach Horacio Dileo also intervened.
The Brazilian side, however, traces the story back a little further. According to Lance, the tension did not start after the last point. Even during the match, there were glances and gestures from the Argentinians towards the Brazilian players, and in the third set, the atmosphere near the net became particularly heated.
Lucarelli gave the same version to Web Vôlei. The captain of Brazil stated that in the third set, the Argentinians started provoking the hosts, specifically pointing out Luciano Vicentin and his attitude towards Darlan. According to Lucarelli, this had the opposite effect – the Brazilian opposite raised his level even further.
"Darlan turned into a beast after they started provoking him," Lucarelli commented to Web Vôlei. The captain also defended his teammate's reaction after the last point, explaining that for him, it makes no sense for a team to provoke during a match and then get angry when they receive a response after it ends.
And it was Darlan who became Brazil's big hero in the final. The opposite finished with 23 points and 69% attack efficiency. Web Vôlei notes that all his 23 points came from attack, and Brazil won the attack with 47:38 and the block with 7:2.
Thus, the most important night for Brazilian volleyball this year ended in the most tense way possible. Brazil took the South American title and the direct quota for the Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028, and Darlan first inflicted the most damage on Argentina with his play, and after the last point, he ignited the spark with a demonstrative 'ciao'.
For Brazil, the tournament ended without losing a set – five wins from five matches. The final, however, reminded once again that when Brazil and Argentina are on opposite sides of the net, the rivalry rarely ends exactly when the ball touches the floor.

photo:lance.com.br