The first of two medal round games kicks off August 3 at the 2022 IFAF Women’s World Championships in Vantaa, Finland as Team USA takes on Team Finland.
Both Team USA and Team Finland won their first-round games in convincing fashion. The Americans defeated Team Germany 63-0, while the Finns beat up on Team Sweden, blanking them 49-0. This sets up a matchup between the reigning world champions from the United States and Finland, the defending European title holders.
Team USA’s offense is led by running back Dajah Scott and quarterback Brittany Bushman. Scott rushed for 70 yards, and Bushman passed for 149 yards and two touchdowns in the first round win over Germany. Wide receiver Maria Jackson hauled in both of Bushman’s scoring passes. The American defense is anchored by linebacker Carla Odom and defensive back Kristen London.
The key to Team Finland’s offense is running back Tytti Kuusinen, who carried the ball 18 times for 108 yards and three touchdowns against Sweden. Aino Lepojärvi added 75 yards on 11 carries. Quarterback Emilia Räty completed six passes for 46 yards and one touchdown with wide receiver Essi Söderholm catching three of those passes for 32 yards, and Emmi Järn one for a touchdown. Defensively, Laura Pekkarainen had 3.5 tackles including 1.5 tackles for losses, and a sack.
Finland and Team USA last faced each other in Langley, Canada in 2017. Team USA dominated that year, defeating Finland 48-0. That was a marked improvement over 2010, when the Americans defeated the Finns 72-0.
After dominating Team Sweden, perhaps this year Team Finland can hold Team USA to an even closer game. Three of their athletes, Kuusinen, wide receiver Janna-Jemina Seiles (Boston Renegades), and defensive back Jonna Tuovinen (Minnesota Vixen) played with American teams last year, and maybe their experience may come in handy.
Watch the game live here. Team USA vs Team Finland, Aug. 3, 15:30 CET (3:30 pm, 09:30 am ET)