Finland remains in contention for the 2023/24 IFAF Women’s European Championships silver medal after having claimed a 20-7 win over Germany in Vantaa.
The Finns now travel to face Great Britain on the weekend of August 14-16 where a win will secure second place overall behind champions Spain, or a defeat will result in that pair and Germany all finishing with a 2-2 record to be separated by a tiebreaker.
Quarterback Lea Kazsas, who completed 10 of 24 passes for 63 yards and a touchdown, earned Finland a 7-0 halftime lead through an 8-yard scoring toss to Tiia Jansen in the corner of the end zone. Laura Pulkkinen, who had missed a field goal on the opening possession, tagged on the extra point.
The home defense stepped up as Jenna Hautamäki intercepted German quarterback Friese Silvana and in the third quarter Miina Laukkanen picked off Mona Stevens after Nelli Malk had tipped the pass into her hands to halt another German drive.
Anne Lanz intercepted Kazsas on the next play in reply, but Germany was unable to capitalize. Instead, Laukkanen came up with a pick six of Stevens as she jumped in front of intended receiver Dinah Naegele and raced untouched to the end zone on a 54-yard return for a 14-0 Finland lead.
Laura Pulkkinen took a handoff from Kazsas to rush over left tackle for a one-yard fourth quarter touchdown and an unassailable 20-0 home advantage on her way to a total of 76 rushing yards from 12 carries. Fellow back Emilia Kemppi rushed 14 times for 75 yards in the win.
Germany put seven consolation points on the board late in the game when a long drive ended with a precise Stevens pass over the middle to Ulfig Tabea who raced to the end zone with less than a minute remaining. Ei Seurra tagged on the PAT.
Watch the game replay at IFAF.TV
IFAF Women’s European Championships 2023/24 Standings
Nation
Spain 4-0
Finland 2-1
Germany 2-2
Great Britain 1-2
Sweden 0-4
IFAF Women’s European Championships 2023/24 Results & Schedule
2023 Games
Saturday, April 15
Great Britain 40 Sweden 0
Worcester, England
Sixways Stadium
Saturday, May 27
Finland 0 Spain 12
Vantaa, Finland
Myyrmäen Jalkapallostadion
Sunday, May 28
Germany 23 Great Britain 22
Düsseldorf, Germany
Solingen Walder Stadium
Saturday, August 26
Sweden 0 Finland 10
Solna, Sweden
Bergshamra IP
Saturday, August 26
Spain 8 Germany 6
Calatayud, Spain
San Iñigo Football Field
2024 Games
Saturday, April 13
Spain 21 Great Britain 16
Calatayud, Spain
San Iñigo Football Field
Saturday, May 25
Finland 20 Germany 7
Vantaa, Finland
Myyrmäen Jalkapallostadion
Sweden vs Spain
Sweden forfeit / Spain awarded win
August 16-18, 2024
Great Britain vs Finland
Germany vs Sweden
Sweden forfeit / Germany awarded win