Germany and Sweden set to clash in IFAF U19 European Championship qualifier

The 2024/25 IFAF U19 European Championships resume on Saturday, September 21 when Germany’s junior national team hosts Sweden at the Hermann Löns Stadium in Paderborn for a place in the championship group.

The game will be live streamed at IFAF.TV.

Both Germany and Sweden have beaten Denmark in Group B, so the winner will join number one ranked Austria and either Finland, France or Italy from Group A in next year’s three-team round robin tournament that will crown the European champion.

Austria qualified as reigning champions and in June won the bronze medal at the IFAF U20 World Junior Championships in Canada by beating the United States in the third-place playoff game.

Germany defeated Denmark 48-6 in their earlier group game to remain unbeaten under current head coach Philipp Stursberg, while Sweden won 38-7 to set up the winner takes all clash.

“The Swedes had 266 yards and 5 running TDs with their best player the running back Vilgot Valeskog, so it is important for the German defense to stop the running game,” said Germany’s director of the youth national team Jürgen Siebmanns.

Germany puts its hopes in the hands of 17-year-old quarterback Lenny Thoma, who was the MVP of the win over Denmark. The German wide receiver corps is led by the explosive talent of Tyler Foster, who has been with the team since 2022 and is now team captain for a second year. “Foster is simply a walking big play,” Siebmanns added.

Sweden head coach Sebastian Brinkenfeldt said: “Germany is a well renowned opponent with a very strong football pedigree, and we expect a highly competitive game. It’s always exciting to face a team that brings such quality and intensity to the game.

“This game will be a great opportunity to test ourselves against strong opposition and showcase the talent within our team. We’re focused on executing our game plan and are eager to see how our players rise to the occasion.”