The IFAF Paris European Junior Tournament qualifiers continue this weekend in Amere, Holland with Germany, Switzerland, Spain and Holland vying for a berth in the final tournament scheduled for July 15-17 in Paris, France.
Italy has already qualified for the final four tournament after edging Team Serbia 7-6.
Unfortunately, as a result of the ongoing political battle, a number of key nations are not participating in the qualifier.
The winner of this four-team tournament will join defending champions, Team Austria along with Italy and the host nation, France.
Germany would have to be considered the favorites. They have won the tournament three times and reached the final a total of seven times. They were defeated by Austria in the championship game two years ago 30-22.
In the opening game at 5 pm, Germany will face Team Switzerland, while Team Spain will take on the host nation, Holland in the second game which kicks off at 8 pm.
Tune in here to watch Spain v. Holland on Swiss-Sport.tv.
Switzerland has been preparing since August 2016 for this tournament and held a number of minicamps. The Swiss coaching staff is led by head coach Michel Spitznagel who has had his team preparing for this event since last August. He is expecting to be the underdog against Germany:
“I expect an exciting tournament in which Germany will be the big favorite. For the players and coaches, it will be an unforgettable experience.”
Team Switzerland warming up. Photo: Sergio Brunetti
Watch an extended interview with Swiss assistant coach and former Detroit Lions coach Don Clemons
Spanish head coach Marcos Guirles:
“The Netherlands is a tough opponent and if we want to have a chance to win we have to play almost without errors. We do have a lot of talent though. Many of our players born 2001 have great potential and it is exciting to see how they develop over the next two years to develop Team Spain’s senior team.”
Holland’s Junior Dutch Lions are expecting a battle from Spain to earn a spot in the final on Sunday.
Team Germany will likely start Leo Kober at quarterback against Team Switzerland. Kober plays for the Dacia Vienna Vikings in the Austrian Football League.
Team Germany QB Leo Kober Photo: Andreas Bischof
The two winners of today’s games will advance to the final on Sunday June 4.