Finland remains in contention for the 2023/24 IFAF Women’s European Championships silver medal having claimed a 20-7 win over Germany in Vantaa.
The Finns now travel to face Great Britain on the weekend of August 14-16 where a win will secure second place overall behind champions Spain, or a defeat will result in that pair and Germany all finishing with a 2-2 record to be separated by a tiebreaker.
Quarterback Lea Kazsas, who completed 10 of 24 passes for 63 yards and a touchdown, earned Finland a 7-0 halftime lead through an 8-yard scoring toss to Tiia Jansen in the corner of the end zone. Laura Pulkkinen, who had missed a field goal on the opening possession, tagged on the extra point.
The home defense stepped up as Jenna Hautamäki intercepted German quarterback Friese Silvana and in the third quarter Miina Laukkanen picked off Mona Stevens after Nelli Malk had tipped the pass into her hands to halt another German drive.
Anne Lanz intercepted Kazsas on the next play in reply, but Germany was unable to capitalize. Instead, Laukkanen came up with a pick six of Stevens as she jumped in front of intended receiver Dinah Naegele and raced untouched to the end zone on a 54-yard return for a 14-0 Finland lead.
Laura Pulkkinen took a handoff from Kazsas to rush over left tackle for a one-yard fourth quarter touchdown and an unassailable 20-0 home advantage on her way to a total of 76 rushing yards from 12 carries. Fellow back Emilia Kemppi rushed 14 times for 75 yards in the win.
Germany put seven consolation points on the board late in the game when a long drive ended with a precise Stevens pass over the middle to Ulfig Tabea who raced to the end zone with less than a minute remaining. Ei Seurra tagged on the PAT.
Watch the game replay at IFAF.TV
IFAF Women’s European Championships 2023/24 Standings Nation Spain 4-0 Finland 2-1 Germany 2-2 Great Britain 1-2 Sweden 0-4
IFAF Women’s European Championships 2023/24 Results & Schedule 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, 1pm Sweden 0 Finland 10 Solna, Sweden Bergshamra IP Saturday, August 26, 6pm Spain 8 Germany 6 Calatayud, Spain San Iñigo Football Field Saturday, April 13, 6pm Spain 21 Great Britain 16 Calatayud, Spain San Iñigo Football Field Saturday, 25 May, 12pm Finland 20 Germany 7 Vantaa, Finland Myyrmäen Jalkapallostadion Sweden vs Spain Sweden forfeit / Spain awarded win 16-18 August 2024 Great Britain vs Finland Germany vs Sweden Sweden forfeit / Germany awarded win
Photo: Lea Wohlfahrt
