Germany Powers Past Sweden to Reach 2nd Straight European Championship Final

Taking over on their 25 yard line with 10 minutes left in the game Sweden moved the ball down the field behind the running and passing of Anders Hermodsson, who replaced an injured Phillip Juhlin. Germany forced Sweden to punt but special teams made another big play sripping the German returner of the ball at the German 10 yard line and two plays later, Hermodsson hit Fredrik Isaksson for a six yard score bringing Sweden to within five with the score 38-33.

But Germany picked off a Hermodsson pass deep in their own territory and Danny Washington left no doubt, hitting a seam and taking off for a 76 yard touchdown for a 45-33 German lead with five minutes left. Another interception from Hermodsson gave Germany the ball with two minutes left and Washington sealed the game with a 32 yard touchdown run. Sweden managed to score one more time with less than a minute to go but it was too late. The final score was Germany 52 Sweden 40.

Leading rusher for the game was Danny Washington (276 yards and six touchdowns) and Marcus Ehrenfried lead all passers with 229 yards. Top receiver was Germany’s Niklas Römer who had eight receptions for 174 yards. Sweden’s two quarterbacks combined for 276 yards in the air.

This game was by far the best and most entertaining of the tournament and gave Sweden at least a measure of pride on the flight home although they lost both of their games. Germany will now face the winner of the game between Austria and France Wednesday night which promises to be a terrific battle.

Sweden’s “running game by committee” – Wikstrom, Forsman, Gauthier and Hermodsson – added 166 yards on the ground at times giving Germany fits with their fiery play. Jonathan Wikstrom was a powerhouse at times and his two touchdowns (one on the ground and one in the air), were a key factor for Sweden.

Full Statistics: Germany v. Sweden

BOXSCORE

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