October 13: Czechia vs Finland, Městský Stadion, Ústí nad Labem, kickoff 1pm

Czechia host five-time European champions Finland, who dominated the tournament in the nineties, winning four straight titles.

Beaten finalists in 2023, Finland was held to only a four-point halftime advantage the last time these two nations met in Czechia in 2022 before running out 42-10 winners.

“Our group is challenging this year,” says Finland head coach Mikko Koikkalainen, who was part of his nation’s four successive titles from 1993 to 2000. “Czechia already gave us a tough, physical challenge two years ago.

“We are undergoing a bit of a generational shift. The team has changed quite a bit compared to last year’s finalist squad, and many players are making their national team debuts. The group has a great energy, and we believe we will also be a tough opponent for the other teams in our group.

“We are also excited to have quarterback Ambro Urjansson back with us. He had to miss last year’s medal games but will once again lead our offense as the starting quarterback.”

Under head coach Daniel Leško, Czechia are led by 18-year-old quarterback Amos Feranec who guided the ISMM Ostrava Steelers to the semifinals of the Czech playoffs this year and starts under center for his nation’s U19s team.

Watch live: https://youtube.com/live/lRNdLvdT2b4?feature=share