Fans of tackle football across the European continent will be treated to a wealth of top-class action during this weekend of August 5-6 when the 2023 IFAF European Championships continue with seven games in seven countries.
The action begins on Saturday in Vantaa when five-time champions Finland host Scandinavian rivals and 2021 silver medalists Sweden at the Myyrmäki Stadion. The winners of that game will play for the European title in October against the winners of Austria versus reigning champion Italy, who clash at the Innsbruck Tivoli Stadium on Sunday.
Here’s some game notes and what some of the head coaches are saying, along with links to live streams (all kickoff times local).
Austria vs Italy
“It’s very cool that the atmosphere is great and the motivation is very high. The guys are physically better together than expected. We are confident that we will be able to field a very good football team on Sunday.
“Playing in front of a home crowd is of course a special incentive to give our best and beat the team that defeated us at the last European Championship (in the group stages) this time. We are definitely aiming for revenge and want to establish the hierarchy in Europe the way we like it: namely with Austria at the top.” - Austria Head Coach Max Sommer
“We’ve lost a big part of the 2021 European Championship team but we’re working hard to get the young players ready for the big challenge Team Austria will be for us. We'll be ready and hungry for one more win.” - Italy Head Coach, Davide Giuliano
Watch live on IFAF.TV Kickoff: Sunday, August 6, 15:00 CET
Finland vs Sweden
“We are extremely excited to play Finland in the European Championship semi-finals. Anytime Sweden meets Finland it is a big game and adding the tournament factor to the fire will only bring out the best effort from both sides.
“The staff has done a lot of work since our last camp in Karlstad. We have evaluated players throughout the season and came up with our roster. There have been digital preparations throughout the month of July and we are ready to come together and get on the field to prepare.
“One advantage that Finland has in this match up, is that they are in the middle of their season and the Finns will be in football condition. Our job will be to make sure we are up to game speed and ready for full contact on Saturday.
“I enjoy the fact that we have a lot at stake in this road game and expect nothing more than a hard fought, well played football game from both teams.” - Sweden Head Coach BD Kennedy
Watch live on IFAF.TV Kickoff: Saturday, August 5, 13:00
Great Britain vs France
“We are all so excited to be hosting a Great Britain men’s game again and look forward to welcoming the French. This contest represents a huge test for us. This will be a benchmark to see how far we have come.” - GB head coach Jason Scott
“We have a rejuvenated, young and inexperienced group. This game will allow us to gauge a wider range of players to integrate the group in the longer term. We made the choice to call up young rising hopefuls who were knocking on the door of the French national team. It’s going to be very interesting, especially since the English have a good, athletic and solid team. – France Head Coach Jean-Philippe Dinglor
Livestream Kickoff: Saturday, August 5, 14:00
Denmark vs Serbia
“I think we are where we should be. We have several training sessions to go, and walkthroughs up to the game. We are looking forward to playing on our homefield and hope to see a lot of people in the stands on Saturday.
“I am really happy for the reception I have received as new head coach. The team is doing really well and we are ready for the game on Saturday. – Denmark Head Coach Jakob Zinck Thellufsen
Livestream Kickoff Saturday, August 5, 16:00
Czechia vs Switzerland
Led by head coach Daniel Lešek, Czechia have called up several players from their U19 program to join mainstays on the offensive line, along with big name players from the Prague Lions and Prague Black Panthers who have the most players on the roster with 14. Czechia also includes two players from second division finalists Bělá Raiders and Pardubice Stallions and a pair from the home team Ústí nad Labem Blades. The Switzerland coaching staff also led their U19 team to a convincing 39-3 over their Czech counterparts.
Livestream Kickoff: Sunday August 6, 16:00
Israel vs Spain
“I am looking forward to returning to international competitions and am excited about hosting Spain in Jerusalem. I believe that it will be a very competitive game.” – Israel Head Coach Prof. Jay R. Hoffman
“We hope to return with a victory to continue dreaming of promotion to Group A. We are working with a very broad and solid base that goes beyond those who are in this selection, formed by about 90 players, and we face this match with the maximum expectation of being able to achieve a victory for Spain. Enormous work has been done in recent weeks by the staff, with Víctor Martín and Raúl Saavedra at the head as coordinators of the offense and defense, to prepare this decisive match. - Spain Head Coach Fernando Guijarro
Livestream Kickoff: Sunday, August 6, 19:30
Ireland vs Turkey
“I am excited for the Wolfhounds to be playing a full international European Championship game in Cork and this has been a long wait to see an Ireland team compete competitively on home soil. We hope to see a good crowd at the game supporting us in the MTU Stadium with our lads putting on a good show. I know they will do us all proud.” – Ireland Head Coach Ciaran O’Sullivan
“This match between Türkiye and Ireland is truly a historic moment for both our nations, as it marks the very first official national American football game played in Ireland. It represents a significant milestone for the sport's growth in both countries, and we are honored to be a part of this momentous occasion.
“On behalf of the Turkish National Team, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Irish Federation for their warm hospitality and welcoming us to their beautiful country. Their spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship has set the perfect tone for this much-awaited encounter.
“As we step onto the field in Cork, we carry not just the hopes of our nation but also the responsibility to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play. Our objective is to bring home victory for Türkiye, and we will leave everything on the field to achieve that goal.
“Let us unite through the love of American football and celebrate this historic event together.” – Turkey Manager Nabi İlter Havuçgil
Livestream Kickoff Saturday, August 5, 15:00
