The defending IFAF European champions, Team France, will travel north to take on an eager host, the Finnish National team. On the line for today’s game is the IFAF European Bronze medal. These teams know each other well as France defeated Finland 21-14 on its home turf back in 2018 on its way to the Gold Medal. The Finns were, however, able to rebound with a Bronze medal in 2018. Now they look to earn the same medal in front of their home crowd today.
Finland’s offense is led by veteran quarterback Miro Kadmiry who has stated that today will be his last game as he leaves behind him a remarkable career that includes four championships and a league MVP.
Kadmiry will look to get the ball to proven receivers Mikko Seppanan, along with former Helsinki Roosters teammates Kimi Linnainmaa and Arttu Erkkila. On the ground, Karri Pajarinen is a dangerous back who will have the tough task of breaking through an athletic French defense.
Livestream: France @ Finland, October 30th, 13:00 CET (1 pm, 7 am ET)
On the other side of the ball, Finnish defensive backs Niko Roiko, Rufail Khalifa, and Lempinen, and Eero Vaija have the tough task of slowing down a talented group of French receivers. At the line of scrimmage, Ville Valasti is one of the most experienced players on this defense. The former Eastern Michigan Eagles (NCAA D1) defensive end looks to add a European medal to his decorated career. Veteran linebacker Santtu Äyräväinen will also suit up for today’s game in what could be his last match. Finland head coach Mele Mosqueda on the team’s mentality heading into today’s game:
“Ultimately, we have the best guys in Finland to get the job done on Saturday. The hunger, fight, and fire that has been seen these last three weeks in our preparation says a lot about where we are as a team. We’re ready to go!”
After not playing for 700 days the French national team has seen major changes from their 2018 European Gold team. Stars as star running back Stephen Yepmo, quarterback Paul Durand, and receiver Andrew James have all moved on. The transition begins a new era for the French as Head Jean-Philippe Danglor has taken over the program and injected it with youth.
“We aim for another European medal, we always have to look at the competition with high expectations, no matter the challenges we have to face.”
Offensively, receivers Benjamin Plu, Stephane Fortes, and Pierre Hilderald are sure-handed speedsters to watch for. Fortes has made a name for himself playing across the continent in the top leagues in Finland and Germany while Plu is a physical receiver with CFL experience. On the ground, ELF stars Phileas Pasqualini and Jason Aguemon, will share the load out of the backfield in a balanced French offense. Joachim Torelli, a product of the Dauphins de Nice is a dual-threat passer who has played all over the field the last few seasons in the French league. Look for Torelli and 19-year old passer Leo Cremades to both get snap from under center. France’s playmakers aim to have success behind an offensive line led by Thomas Fileccia and Hugo Kappler.
Veteran linebacker Massimo Pignataro returns to the national team looking to relive the magic of their recent 2018 European championship in Finland. Pignataro and Marseille Blue Stars standout Eddy Abdullah will look to slow down a dangerous Finnish running game. Defensive backs Hadrien Lynda, Amir Kilani, and Pierre Courageux and are three key players to watch out for on the back end. Expect a physical game from France’s defense as their features athletes at all three levels. Defensive back Hadrien Lynda commented on the defense’s preparation for this game:
“My feeling is good for this game, especially about our defense. We’ve worked very hard and a with great intensity for this moment.”
Last time these two met three years ago, France beat Finland in the semifinals 21-14. France hopes to bounce back quickly after not playing in nearly two years. The home team on the other hand is well-practiced playing two games already this season. Fans are expecting this to be one of the best IFAF matchups all year.
Watch here: Livestream France @ Finland, October 30th, 13:00 CET (1 pm, 7 am ET)
Team Finland
Team France
