The pairing faced the challenge of Brazil’s Vitor Felipe and Alvaro Filho in the semi-final stage of the competition and took the opening set 21-17.

With Filho boasting experience on the big stage, having claimed a World Championship silver medal in 2013, it was no surprise to see the Brazilian duo battle back into the tie as they prevailed 22-20 in the second set on home sand. 

The tightly fought contest continued to entertain the crowd in the decider but the home fans were left disappointed as Dalhausser and Lucena triumphed 15-10.

Filho believes the tournament has proved an eye opener in what Brazilian players can expect at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

“While we will be enjoying the Rio 2016 Olympics Games, I think all the young Brazilian players are eyeing the future to become the next big beach volleyball stars for our country,” he said.

“For Brazilians, it is very tough since we have a lot of players that can compete successfully on the FIVB World Tour.

“My goal is to get better with each event.”

Dalhausser and Lucena will be forced to overcome more Brazilian opposition if they are to claim the title with Evandro Goncalves and Pedro Solberg having cruised through their semi-final tie.

They clinched the opening set 21-18 against their compatriots Saymon Barbos and Gustavo Carvalhaes and maintained the momentum to win the second 21-16.

Barbos and Carvalhaes secured the bronze medal by beating Felipe and Filho 21-18, 25-23.

The Netherlands’ Madelein Meppelink and Marleen Van Iersel booked their place in the women’s gold medal match by beating reigning world champions Agatha Bednarczuk and Barbara Seixas of Brazil 21-14, 21-17.

Home hopes will now rest on 22nd seeds Eduarda “Duda” Lisboa and Elize Maia after they defeated Ana Gallay and Georgina Klug of Argentina 21-15, 21-18.

The Argentine pairing were also comfortably beaten 21-13, 21-14 by Bednarczuk  and Seixas  in the bronze medal contest.