Team Sweden will play host to their oldest rivals and defending champions Finland with both teams looking for their first win of the competition as the round robin stage of the IFAF Women’s European Championship continues Saturday, August 26 at Bergshamra IP in the Stockholm municipality of Solna.
The round robin tournament replaces the single host nation format, with games continuing in April, May, and August of 2024.
Sweden is hoping to rebound from a 40-0 defeat away to Great Britain back in April and features several new players. Linebacker Nathalie Hacksell, playing in her second international match, said:
“We never got into the football calm that makes us really work together against Great Britain, and a lot of small mistakes had big consequences. Against Finland it can only get better. It is key that we communicate well, that we quickly find our positions on the pitch and that we do not let ourselves be pushed backwards. It is up to us to put pressure on their attack.”
Watch live PPV: Team Finland @ Team Sweden, Aug. 26, 12:40 CET (12:40 pm, 6:40 am EDT)
Sweden has replaced veteran running back Anna Hedström with Melina Malaxos (San Diego Rebellion) and switched up a quarterback as well with Linda Widberg (Örebro Black Knights) stepping in behind center in place of Molly Ewald.
Finland was stunned back in April, after being shut out 12-0 at home against Team Spain and will be looking to redeem themselves in this game.
Both teams feature players whose focus was on flag football last week in Ireland. For Sweden, defensive back Hedvig Palocci has returned from the IFAF European Flag Football Championships and will be in the lineup today. Team Finland will have the services of four flag players in DB Jenna Hautamaki, WR Kirsti Nirhamo, QB Essi Soderholm, and LB Essi Saastamoinen.