Austria and Finland clash for the 2023 IFAF European Championships title in men’s tackle football this Saturday, October 28, at the NV Arena in St. Pölten, kickoff 15:00. The crowning of a new champion will be streamed live on IFAF.TV.
An action-packed weekend sees Sweden and Italy meet to contest the bronze medal in Gothenburg (13:00) at Valhalla IP on Saturday, while an hour later Denmark take on Great Britain for fifth place at Gentofte Stadium in Copenhagen (14:00).
On Sunday, France and Serbia meet for seventh place at the Parc des Sports in Avignon, and Hungary host Czechia for ninth place at the Rugby Centre in Budapest, with both games at 14:00. The game between Germany and Israel for a place in Group A has been postponed.
Led by Head Coach Max Sommer, Austria has an opportunity to win an historic first European title on home soil having defeated Hungary, France and reigning champions Italy. Austria’s championship pedigree includes a narrow 30-27 defeat to Germany in front of a crowd of 27,000 at the Ernst Happel Stadion in Vienna in 2014, and then four years later another silver medal against France. Austria also claimed bronze in 1995 and 2010.
“We’re expecting an exciting game,” said Coach Sommer. “We definitely have to bring our A-game to be able to hold our own against the very strong Finns.”
Finland has participated in every one of the previous European Championships, finishing as runners up in the inaugural tournament in 1983. They then beat Italy in 1985, twice lost the title game to Great Britain and won four straight crowns in 1993, 1995, 1997 and 2000. Finland have medaled in four tournaments since they last ruled the continent. Finland head coach Mikko Kolkkalainen has been a member of his nation’s team at all five previous continental victories.
“We are excited to be playing for the European championship after a long break,” said Coach Kolkkalainen. “The challenge is tough; the Austrian team is of high quality and filled with some of Europe’s best players. However, we also have a very tight-knit and competitive team.”
2023 IFAF European Championship
Saturday, October 28 Championship Game Austria vs Finland NV Arena St Polten, Austria 15:00
Bronze Medal Game Sweden vs Italy Valhalla IP Gothenburg, Sweden 13:00
Fifth Place Game Denmark vs Great Britain Gentofte Stadium Copenhagen, Denmark 14:00
Sunday, October 29 Seventh Place Game France vs Serbia Parc des Sports Avignon, France 14:00
Ninth Place Game Hungary vs Czechia Rugby Center Budapest, Hungary 14:00
12th Place Game / Promotion to Group A Germany vs Israel Postponed
Switzerland finished in 11th place Spain finished in 14th place Turkey finished in 15th place Ireland finished in 16th place
Photo: David Bitzan
