Canada breezed past Brazil in the first round without conceding a point relying heavily on an explosive running game as four backs combined for 60 points and 383 yards.
Austria became the first ever European nation to defeat a North American team at the junior level in an impressive 41-13 win over Canada 2 and will present a different challenge.
“They’re a great football team and I consider Austria to be gold medal favorites as much as any of us, without a doubt,” said Canada head coach Warren Craney, who led his nation to the title back in 2016.
“They’re big, physical, and very quick and their quarterback is very good. We know we’re going to have our hands full with that squad. They’re a true national team. They’ve been together for several months and we have to be perfect when we play them.”
Austria is more used to being the team to beat having won the European continental championship six times in succession. Now the tables are turned, and they face the tournament’s top seed.
“We’re playing the reigning champions, so we have nothing to lose,” said Austria head coach Roman Floredo. “Our players are fired up they want to win again and we’re looking forward to it.
“I think we have to control Canada’s run game and they have a pretty good quarterback with an awesome arm and a kicker who can make 50-yard field goals, so we have to keep them out of our half.”
The Austrians, whose best-ever finish was fourth place in both 2012 and 2014, have plenty of offensive firepower of their own. In Saturday’s opening win wide receiver Nils Keimel reeled in 4 passes from quarterback Michael Szabo for 147 yards and 2 touchdowns, while running back Kevin Stanisi breached the end zone three times.
“Offensively we have to protect our quarterback so he can see and throw to our playmakers, and we can protect the ball carriers better to get a balanced offense,” added Coach Floredo.
Tickets for single games, Canada Passes, and Tournament Passes are on sale through TicketMaster and from the official website https://worldjrfootballchampionships.com. Games will be streamed live at IFAF.TV. Photo: Moush John
