Team Austria defeated a stubborn French junior national team 17-7 Sunday afternoon to win the gold medal in the 2017 IFAF Paris European Junior Championship final at Stade Laurent Pleagelatte in Villepinte, France.
This was the fourth straight European junior title for Austria in the tournament and the third time France was their finals opponent. They downed France in both 2011 and 2013. This was the second time Austria defeated the host nation. They beat Germany in Dresden, Germany in 2015.
Team Austria running back Tobias Bonatti scored a touchdown and with his play earned the game MVP award. Quarterback Ruben Seeber also scored a touchdown while Benjamin Straight kicked a field goal and both extra points.
Running back Sonny Sonetti scored the only touchdown for Team France.
French RB Bafode Savane Photo: Thomas Depaepe
Seeber broke open a tight football game in the first quarter with a touchdown. Then the Austrian defense took charge as defensive back Benjamin Formmann picked off a pass by Team France quarterback Gregoire Noel. Bonatti carried the ball in and Austria held a 14-0 lead at the half.
Neither team could gain any momentum in the second half until France intercepted a Team Austria pass and Sonetti scored to narrow the Austrian lead to 14-7.
However, Straight kicked a field goal early in the fourth quarter and Austria held off the surging French offense to finally get the win.
Watch the entire game here.
Source: Austrian American Football Federation
Final euro U19 2017 Autriche France by onrewind