Defending champions Finland got their quest to retain the IFAF Women’s European Football Championship back on track with a 10-0 win over Sweden in Stockholm.

Both teams’ defenses dominated and Finland broke the deadlock in the second quarter through an Annika Kyröläinen field goal. In the third quarter, quarterback Essi Söderholm increased Finland’s lead to 9-0 with a touchdown run and Kyröläinen added a successful extra point attempt. Söderholm was forced to leave the game in the fourth quarter due to injury, but Nea Törmänen came in under center to see out the victory.

Defensively, Anni Alanko was named Finland’s MVP and contained Sweden’s offensive threat along with Essi Saastamoinen. Nelli Malk and Oona Tuomi both broke up key passes, and Tiia Jansen came up with a fourth quarter interception.

The win was the first for head coach Samu Juppo, after a surprise opening game to Spain, and his Finland (1-1) team now faces Great Britain (1-1) and Germany (1-0), who play Spain (1-0) later on Saturday, in 2024 knowing that a repeat title is still within reach.

Photo: Tero Turunen

IFAF Women’s European Championships 2023/24 Saturday, April 15 Great Britain 40 Sweden 0 Worcester, England Sixways Stadium

Saturday, May 27 Finland 0 Spain 12 Vantaa, Finland Myyrmäen jalkapallostadion

Sunday, May 28 Germany 23 Great Britain 22 Düsseldorf, Germany Solingen Walder Stadium

Saturday, August 26 Sweden 0 Finland 10 Solna, Sweden Bergshamra IP Saturday, August 26, 6pm Spain vs Germany Calatayud, Spain San Iñigo Football Field

12-14 April 2024 Spain vs Great Britain

24-26 May 2024 Finland vs Germany Sweden vs Spain

16-18 August 2024 Germany vs Sweden Great Britain vs Finland