The IFAF New York U19 European Championship will definitely go to Scandinavia, as the host country Denmark faces Team Sweden Friday, July 14 to determine who will take the title and book a ticket to the World Championship.
Both teams won their respective games against Finland. Denmark beat Finland 35-24 on Wednesday and Sweden, behind an explosive performance by quarterback Michael Cox Jr, who had 248 rushing yards, overwhelmed the Finns 61-30 Thursday.
Finland had no answer for Cox and the big question in this game will be if Denmark can find a way to contain the extremely athletic quarterback, while not losing focus on downfield coverage, because he also has a strong and very precise arm.
Swedish size and strength
To protect Cox, the Swedes have a massive offensive line with an average height of almost 6’5″ and a combined weight of more than 1,300 pounds. Add to this, the two big tight ends, Axel Ripa and Robin Jutwreten, who Sweden often uses in a jumbo-package.
The last time the two teams met was at the Nordic Championship in 2016 when Sweden won 48-13, mainly running the ball. In fact, the Swedish quarterback only attempted four passes all game. One of the stars of that game was running back Vilinthon Tengroth, who was sidelined for most of the game against Finland.
If he is ready for Friday’s game, he will give the Swedish offense an extra dimension and the Danish defenders even more to worry about.
Speed is the key for Denmark
For Team Denmark to be able to keep Sweden out of the end zone, finding a way to contain Cox Jr. is obviously key, but to win the game they have to score themselves. And while the Swedes have size, they might lack speed.
In the game against Finland, the Swedish defense struggled at times to keep pace with the Finnish up-tempo offence, and Denmark has to exploit that weakness.
Swedish head coach Andreas Ehrenreich after the game against Finland:
“On defense we obviously had some problems that we need to correct before tomorrow, because the Danish team will bring some extra speed to the game. They’re quick and agile.”
On the Danish team the Swedes will have to look out for running back #1 Emil Neumann-Pedersen, who ran for more than 150 yards against Finland, and wide receivers #82 Thomas Ashworth and #7 Nicholas Kaplan.
Watch the game live here. Kickoff: Friday, July 14, 6 p CEST (12 Noon EDT)