For the first time in their history, Team Germany has beaten an American national squad as they defeated the USA, represented by the United States Federation of American Football, 14-13 at the World Games in Wroclaw, Poland, in a game which should not have been that close.
The USFAF team, which almost did not make it to the World Games, was put together, literally within a couple of days.
With barely one practice under their belts and a roster which was below the minimum 45, a rag tag United States team took the field to face a well-prepared German team in the middle of the regular season in Germany.
And it showed as Team Germany controlled much of the play. Nevertheless, Team USA battled.
After a quiet first quarter, in which Germany missed a chance to take the lead on a missed field goal, Team Germany opened the scoring. Quarterback Alexander Haupert connected with 6’9″ wide receiver Aurieus Adegbesan on a 43 yard touchdown pass and Thomas Rauch kicked the extra point to give the Germans a 7-0 lead.
The United States responded on the next series with quarterback Dustin Hawke Willingham, who was struggling to find any kind of rhythm, finally finding Terry Gaitor for a 47 yard touchdown. John Moorhead kicked the extra point and the score was tied at halftime.
The Americans entered the third quarter with some momentum and began to take charge as Hawke Willingham led his team on a long drive, capping it with a 26 yard touchdown to Tyrell Banks giving Team USA a 13-7 lead. The missed extra point proved to be crucial.
With Haupert replaced at quarterback by Sonny Weishaupt, Germany began to take control in the fourth quarter. Weishaupt finally led his team on an extended drive, finishing it off with a 28 yard touchdown pass to Kwame Ofori. Thomas Rauch kicked the extra point to take a 14-13 lead.
Team Germany then held on for the win.
Turnovers proved to be costly for Team USA as the American quarterback threw four interceptions.
This was not the first time a USFAF team has lost to European competition. In 2012, Team Denmark defeated them 49-20.
In the second semifinal, Team France defeated Poland 28-2. Germany will face France in the gold medal final on Monday, July 24 while Team USA will play Poland in the bronze medal game.