Team Austria will host Finland in this year’s semi-finals as the 2022 champions look to defend their title and punch their ticket to the gold medal match against an excellent Finnish squad.
Austria is led by head coach Roman Floredo who commands one of Europe’s top U19 programs. His offense will rely on quarterback Michael Szabo, while the defense features a front of Sidney Kunz, Armin Arthur Reichhardt, Justin Demel and Matteo Hoppel.
The Austrian U19 platform has successfully produced several NCAA players and even NFL players in offensive tackle Bernhard Raimann (Indianapolis Colts), tight end Bernhard Seikovits (Arizona Cardinals) and running back Sandro Platzgummer (New York Giants) who all once proudly wore the red and white of Austria’s national teams. The Austrians are unbeaten against European opposition since as far back as 2011. That 12-year span includes the heavyweights of the continent at this level winning five European titles.
“The game against Finland will be a special challenge,” said head coach Roman Floredo. “Teams from the north are practically always bigger and stronger. With the speed we have, we will make up for that and try to defend the title again.”
Led by head coach Pekka Lamminsalo, Finland will lean heavily on quarterback Arttu Aalto and running back Henri Kaasinen. Finland’s size in the trenches also matches up well with Austria as big men Viktor Asklof, Jarno Lipola and Malek Jaradat are among the leaders upfront.