When Thursday began in the 2024 IFAF Flag Football World Championships, 16 women’s teams all had their eye on the prize of the gold medal game.
In the Round of 16 knockout stage, USA dispatched hosts Finland, Canada were too strong for Panama, Italy edged Germany, and Austria beat a spirited Brazil by two points. Mexico breezed past Israel, Great Britain ousted Switzerland, Spain were six-point winners over France, and in a repeat of last year’s Asia-Oceania final, Japan beat Australia.
That led to the quarterfinals where Spain almost created what would have been the shock of the tournament as they led at halftime and held USA to three touchdowns, but eventually lost by four points, 18-14. Austria won a close content over Italy by three points, while Mexico defeated Canada 35-20.
The game of the round was played between European champions Great Britain and Asia-Oceania champs Japan who were neck and neck at the two-minute warning. Japan controlled the clock to hold a six-point lead and won on the final play as time expired as GB was unable to complete a pass that fell loose in the end zone.
All game scores, statistics, standings and a schedule of upcoming games can be found at the official tournament website.
Watch all the games live via IFAF.tv on AFI.