The stage is set for Saturday’s knockout rounds at The World Games after world number one the United States and reigning World Games champions Mexico posted 3-0 records to top their respective groups in Chengdu, China.
USA will face Italy at 8.30am local time having beaten the host nation 39-12 in their final group game, while Mexico will take on China at 12.30pm.
Mexico showed why they are the reigning World Games champions with a relentless 46-7 win over Italy as quarterback Diana Flores threw for five touchdowns and three of her nation’s impressive five two-point conversions. They then claimed top spot in Group B with a 34-13 victory over Great Britain, who had edged a Japan team ranked third in the world 26-24.
Great Britain avenged a loss to Japan at last summer’s IFAF world championships with a narrow two-point victory as quarterback Jess Allen threw for four touchdowns and rusher Jochebed Frimpong disrupted Japan’s offensive gameplan. In the knockout stages, GB now comes up against Austria, who placed third in Group A.
Canada will meet Japan in the quarterfinals having claimed second place in Group A as they finally pulled away from a resilient Austrian side in a 34-25 victory. Quarterback Sara Parker threw for five touchdowns and an impressive defensive stop just before halftime preserved Canada’s eight-point lead which Austria was unable to dent.
All games are streamed live at The World Games Live which also hosts replays of every flag football game. The full schedule and score updates are available at the official website of The World Games.
The World Games Quarterfinals (All times local / 7 hours ahead of CET / 12 hours ahead of US EST)
USA vs Italy 8.30am Canada vs Japan 9.50am Great Britain vs Austria 11.10am Mexico vs China 12.30pm
Group A USA 39 Canada 31 Austria 47 China 45 USA 48 Austria 34 Canada 48 China 12 Canada 34 Austria 25 USA 39 China 12 Standings USA 3-0 Canada 2-1 Austria 1-2 China 0-3
Group B Great Britain 26 Italy 13 Mexico 41 Japan 24 Great Britain 26 Japan 24 Mexico 46 Italy 7 Mexico 34 Great Britain 13 Japan 33 Italy 6
Standings Mexico 3-0 Great Britain 2-1 Japan 1-2 Italy 0-3
