IFAF Paris 2017 European Junior Championship set to start
Four of the top U19 teams in Europe are getting set to compete for the 2017 IFAF Paris European crown. Reigning champions, Team Austria, have won the last three titles but expect a challenge with Germany being the leading contender. Host nation France and newcomers Italy round out the final four.
All the games will be played at Stadium Laurent Pleagelatte – Av Jean Fourgeaud 93420 Villepinte.
The schedule is as follows:
Friday, July 14, 2 pm
Game 1: France v. Germany
Friday July 14, 6 pm
Game 2: Austria v. Italy
Sunday July 16, 11 am Bronze Medal Game
Loser Game 1 v. Loser Game 2
Sunday July 16, 3 pm Gold Medal Game
Winner Game 1 v. Winner Game 2
TEAM AUSTRIA
Head Coach : Roman Floredo
Winner : 2011, 2013, 2015
The 2017 Austrian team will again be a favorite to defend its title. Head coach Floredo has picked a solid team with several young players already having experience in the Austrian Football League. Austria’s challenge is not to become over confident. Each player is from a different generation and this 2017 team is not the same as the 2015 squad. Nevertheless, the pressure is on the Austrians to win an unprecedented fourth crown.
TEAM ITALY
Head Coach : Paolo Borchini
Winner: —
Team Italy is a newcomer on the European U19 scene. Head coach Brochini’s players defeated Serbia in a qualifying game before arriving at Villepinte. Thus, they enter the tournament without pressure. That can make them a dangerous opponent for Austria on opening day.
TEAM GERMANY
Head coach: Peter Springwald
Winner : 2008
The German team enters this tournament, looking for a rematch. Peter Springwald’s team lost to the Austrian in 2015 Euro U19 Final in Dresden. They waltzed through the qualification tournament beating Switzerland 51-0 and Spain 47-0. Many of their key players are playing in the German Football League. Their path to the final is through the opening match against France.
TEAM FRANCE
Head Coach : Emmanuel Maguet
Winner : 2004 , 2006
France is playing this tournament at home. Does this mean added pressure or is it an advantage? Head coach Maguet’s players have been preparing for this game since 2015. Although facing Germany in the opening game is a daunting task, Team France has won this tournament twice before and will be ready.
