LIVESTREAM IFAF Euros Gold: Finland vs Austria, Oct. 28, 19:00 CET (7 pm, 1 pm ET)

By John Mahnen

Grotenburg Stadion in Krefeld, Germany hosts a heavyweight showdown at 19:00 CET as defending champions Austria meet five-time winners Finland in the IFAF Men’s European Championship final — a rematch of the 2023 title game. Two years ago in St. Pölten, Austria blanked Finland 28–0. The Finns are determined to rewrite that story. 
 
Austria arrives brimming with confidence after dismantling Germany 30–9 in the semifinals. Head coach Max Sommer’s team combined physicality, precision, and depth to control every phase of that game. Running backs Tobias Bonatti, Sandro Platzgummer, and Lukas Hanslwanter each scored touchdowns, while defensive back Christoph Nitzlnader produced a highlight-reel performance with a fumble-return TD and two interceptions.

“We stuck to our plan for all four quarters and pushed through the tough situations,” Sommer said after that win. “Everything we talked about in Lindabrunn this week was something we had to rely on today. I don’t know if I’ve ever been prouder of a team.”

Quarterback Alexander Reischl has managed games efficiently, leaning on the Vikings-heavy offensive line anchored by Clemens Walz and Florian Albrecht. The versatile Platzgummer — fresh off his return from the NFL’s New York Giants system — remains the X-factor. His 39-yard scoring run against Germany epitomized Austrian football: power, vision, and flair. 

Watch live. IFAF Euros Gold: Finland vs Austria, Oct. 28, 19:00 CET (7 pm, 1 pm ET)

Finland, for its part, overcame Italy 9–8 in a rain-drenched semifinal that tested endurance as much as skill. Head coach Mikko Koikkalainen praised his defense:

“The weather in the second half was so brutal that normal offensive play was impossible. The team adapted brilliantly to what was needed to win. No style points were awarded today.”

 Defensively, Finland remains elite. Linebackers Veikka Lehtonen — who makes history tonight with his 31st international cap — and Timi Nuikka anchor a front that limited Italy’s offense to 154 total yards. Defensive tackle Chris Mulumba and edge rusher Felix Salonen provide the pressure, while cornerback Elmeri Laalo and safety Mikko Seppälä form one of Europe’s best secondaries. 

The Finnish offense leans on quarterback Ambro Urjansson and running back Tuukka Lehtonen, whose first-half touchdown against Italy proved decisive. Receiver Luukas Eerola is a big-play threat, and kicker Anssi Ruohonen has already shown his reliability in difficult conditions. 
 
Adding intrigue is Finnish assistant coach Marianne Pahkala, who has spent the past three ELF seasons on the Vienna Vikings staff — giving Finland valuable insight into Austrian tendencies.

“We expect to face a well-coordinated team that’s fiercelydefending its championship,” said Pahkala. “But it’s still just football — we’ll put 11 on the field and try to play a better game than they do.”

Ahead of the final, Austria’s coach and captain reflected on the team’s preparation and mindset. 

 Head Coach Max Sommer:

“The anticipation for the final is huge — and rightly so. Our medical staff has done outstanding work day after day, and our players will be ready again for an intense football game. We gathered a lot of new information about Finland from their semifinal against Italy — they stand out above all for their strong defense. And one thing must be remembered: playing in rainy October Krefeld is very different from a late-summer evening in St. Pölten.”

Captain & Offensive Lineman Lukas Holub:

“We took a few hours after the Germany game to enjoy that historic moment — but always with the next challenge in mind. Over the past two days we’ve prepared mentally and physically for the final, and by the time our last team meeting ends, we’ll be ready. Three of my Vienna Vikings teammates play for Finland, so it will be a special duel from that perspective as well.” 

Austria’s strength lies in its experience and chemistry, with many players coming off ELF playoff campaigns. Finland counters with tradition and an unmatched European pedigree — this will be their 11th final in 17 tournaments since 1983, having missed the podium only twice. 
 
Both teams are tough, smart, and deeply connected to their national programs. Austria’s mix of veteran leadership and playmaking flair may give them the edge, but Finland’s discipline and defensive tenacity will make this a true championship test. 
 
Prediction: Expect a tight chess match early before Austria’s athleticism and depth tilt the balance. Finland’s defense will keep them close, but the defending champions’ versatility and big-game experience should prevail. Austria 24, Finland 13. 

Watch live. IFAF Euros Gold: Finland vs Austria, Oct. 28, 19:00 CET (7 pm, 1 pm ET)