LIVESTREAM Sweden: Team Finland @ Team Sweden, October 17, 12:00 CET (12 noon, 6 am ET)
The Finnish national team will travel to Sweden to take on their Nordic rivals in this annual international grudge match.
These teams met back in August in the IFAF European Championship semifinals with Sweden pulling out the win in a thrilling 22-14 game. Players, fans, and coaches are expecting another nail-bitter in this one.
Sweden looks to capitalize on its momentum as it will face Finland prior to competing against Italy for gold in the IFAF European Championships in two weeks time. Quarterback Philip Juhlin will look to complete the 2021 sweep of their Nordic rivals by finding Kevin Borzei and his talented core of receivers early and often. The tall receiver is a valuable target for Juhlin to look for as the two showed excellent chemistry in their last game against Finland. On the ground, Timmy Göransson is a solid running back who can pick up short yards and move the stick for team Sweden and head coach BD Kennedy.
Kennedy commented on the matchup:
“This yearly match is always a tradition for both countries. It’s a game you don’t want to miss.” said Kennedy “we want to use the Finnkampen (Finnish rivalry game) to best prepare for the European Final.”
Team Finland @ Team Sweden, October 16th, 12:00 CET (12 noon, 6 am ET)
Defensively, Team Sweden’s defensive tackle Benjamin Egbudwie is a player to watch. The veteran of the Finnish League will be going against familiar opponents in this one. Veteran safety Nicolas Peterson also should be a factor as the savvy defensive back has the ball skills and sure tackling to help his team get the victory today. Tobias Asp from the Gothenburg Marvels could also have an impact in this game as the defensive back will look to take advantage of an inexperienced Finnish quarterback.
For Finland, they approach this game with 19 new players on the national team roster. Many veterans are sitting this one out in preparation for the team’s October 30 bronze medal matchup against France. Finland’s head coach Mele Mosqueda commented on his team’s lineup:
“Our team is practically brand new. Half of the players have no experience at the adult level of participating in the national team program. However, everyone involved wants to fight for the victory seriously, but at the same time as a team we have a lot of things to practice as we prepare for the European Bronze Match.”
Therefore, young Helsinki Roosters quarterback Ambro Urjansson will start this game. Expect the rookie quarterback to target veterans Mikko Seppanan and Tino Ndongo, who are eager to avenge their August loss. Behind the young passer, running back Tuuka Lehtonen should see the most carries in this one. The veteran back was a standout ball carrier for the champion Kuopio Steelers this past season.
Defensively, Maple League all-star Niko Roiko is a mother young player to watch. The linebacker was one of the better defenders in Finland last year playing the pass and run equally well. At the line of scrimmage, Filip Zacok will suit up in blue in white. The former Indiana State Sycamore (NCAA FCS) recently competed in the London NFL International combine. At 6’4 290 lbs, Zacok has the strength to disrupt Sweden’s run game.
Even with some stats out of the lineup, fans are expecting this to be another exciting game between two bitter rivals. Team Sweden looks to keep its momentum as they chase an IFAF Gold Medal. On the other sideline, the visiting Fins are eager to avenge their loss earlier this year.
Watch the game here. Team Finland @ Team Sweden, October 16th, 12:00 CET (12 noon, 6 am ET)
Team Sweden roster
Team Finland roster
