LIVESTREAM: IFAF 2019 U19 EC: Team Norway vs. Team Finland, Thurs., Aug. 1, 5p CEDT (11a EDT)

The IFAF 2019 U19 European Championships head into Day 2 Thursday, August 1 as Team Norway and Team Finland face each other in the consolation round at CS Bernardi Stadium in Bologna, Italy.

Both teams lost on opening day. Norway dropped a 20-7 decision to Sweden while Finland were blanked by France 30-0.

Despite the loss, Norway stepped up in their game against Sweden, surprising many and quarterback Raymond Myhrer proved he is a bona fide starter after converting from receiver. His chemistry with wide receiver Erlend Lien was uncanny. Myhrer threw for 145 yards in that game with Lien catching four passes for 99 of those yards. He was the go to receiver. The pair could cause problems for Finland. The Norwegian front seven led by Kacper Latkowski put definite pressure on Swedish quarterback Viktor Ekberg. Look for Norway to put pressure on the Finnish quarterbacks.

Finland’s quarterbacks struggled against France leaving the defense on the field too long against the relentless French run-first offense. However, although starting quarterback Jere Byman was only 9 of 22, his receivers dropped many of those incompletions.  If the Finnish passing game settles down opening up for the run, the offense could give Norway a problem. Finland’s defense neutralized the French wing t in the first half but were on the field far too long and it took its toll in the second half.

The Finnish defense, led by Will Lindfors and Edward Vesterinen, kept the powerful French running game neutralized for the first half of the game though. With an offense that should stay on the field longer in this game, the Finns will put pressure on Myhrer. Okko Mäkänen at defensive tackle will stuff the middle while defensive back Iiro Pekkarinen anchors a secondary that held France to 56 yards passing.

Watch the game live here. Team Norway vs. Team Finland, Thurs., Aug. 1, 5p CEDT (11a EDT)