Austria Subdues Denmark 49-7 in Group B Opener

“a promising start dissipated quickly for the Danes and Austria’s offense rolled over them”

photos via: Herb Kratky and Football Austria

[su_dropcap]N[/su_dropcap]early 5,600 watch the Group B opener between Austria and Denmark at the UPC arena in Graz, Austria on Saturday. The host and heavily favored Austrians looked to start the tournament strong against the Danes, who are newcomers to the top level of American Football national competition in Europe.

Early, Austria’s running game is their offense. They also have won the field position battle setting up Austrian RB #27 Andreas Hofbauer to punch in two first half  touchdowns. Denmark QB Kasper Jensen had a great half and Denmark’s offense moved the ball well, but could not convert in the red zone. Adding insult to injury Denmark missed a long 50+ yard field goal and, after a perfectly executed screen play gives them a first & goal on the Austria 7 yard line, they have another FG blocked. Danes came away from numerous promising drives empty handed. Also in the first half Austria added a special teams TD when Laurinho Walch returned a punt for TD, thanks to a number of Danish missed tackles. Going into half, the game is closer than the score and Denmark has really played well despite being down 21-0.

The second half is a different story. Austria marches right downfield and RB #27 Andreas Hofbauer added a 3rd touchdown to his day, padding the Austrian lead to  27-0. Now the Danes defense begins to fall apart. On the next possession Austrian RB #33 Felix Stadler breaks loose through a hole you could drive a truck through and goes 93 yards untouched! Austria is asserting control 35-0 over Denmark and the Danes offense cannot responsd. Next another TD by Austria, this time acrobatic catch by Christian Steffani and Austria now leads 42-0.Austrian second team QB Alex Thury enters the game and adds a QB keeper touchdown to the score, Austria 49 Denmark 0. Denmark manages to finally get on the board late in the 4th when WR #80 Kold Larsen scores a touchdown.

Overall a promising start dissipated quickly for the Danes and Austria’s offense rolled over them in the second half. Denmark needs to regroup quickly before facing a strong French team on Monday, June 2nd.Next up for the host Austria’s are the French on Wednesday June, 4th.