Austria aims for historic 8th consecutive IFAF U19 European title against Sweden in Innsbruck clash
Austria looks to win an eighth straight IFAF Under 19s European Championships title this Sunday at the Football Zentrum in Innsbruck.
Austria’s championship pedigree faces Swedish challenge
Silver medalists in the past three competitions Sweden stand in their way and look to wear the European crown for the first time.
Third place finishers at the IFAF U20 World Championships last summer in Edmonton, Canada, the Austrians won their first game in the round robin tournament to decide the continental champion by convincingly beating Finland 41-14 on the road in April. Austria led by three points at halftime before turnovers and a punishing offense sealed the win.
Austria claimed the highest-ever placing by a European nation on the world stage by beating the United States in the U20s bronze medal game, which earned them a bye to the knockout stages.
Grein embraces pressure of Austrian football legacy
“Austria has been undefeated at the U19 level on the European stage since 2011 and that’s why it’s up to this generation to continue the impressive streak,” said head coach Florian Grein. “Our last camp went really well – especially considering that some players had only done very little football training over the past two months.
“I’m hoping for an exciting game on Sunday. Sweden is very strong; they’ve beaten Germany and Finland in this European Championship cycle, so it’s going to be a real Clash of the Titans, just like in the previous U19 European Championship finals.
“There has never been a European Championship final in Innsbruck before, which makes it all the more important that many fans come and cheer on our boys.”
Sweden’s overtime grit earns shot at European crown
Sweden beat Finland 24-21 in overtime in May as a 30-yard Oscar Hardarsson field goal proved the difference after Sweden’s defense had impressed. Sweden secured top spot in Group B of the 2024/25 tournament and a place in the final stages with a dramatic 23-22 win over Germany having beaten Denmark 38-7.
Brinkenfeldt: “Small nation ready for big things”
“This is the fourth straight time Sweden plays for the Junior European Championship gold – an achievement we are very proud of,” said Sweden head coach Sebastian Brinkenfeldt. “We are also well aware of Austria’s long winning tradition; they have been, hands down, the best team in Europe for years, and we have the utmost respect for their staff and players.
“But we believe in our process, in our preparation, and in our ability to win. We are the small nation from the North, ready to do big things together. We are very much looking forward to Sunday.”
Finland secures bronze, Denmark-Germany battle for fourth
Finland has secured third place overall while Denmark will face Germany at 3pm on Saturday in Vejle playing for fourth place having survived a scare to run out 27-18 winners over Czechia. Germany earned the showdown with Denmark with a dominant 55-0 win over Italy. Czechia will travel to Italy to contest sixth place overall at 5pm on Saturday in Padua.
Championship weekend caps European youth football showcase
2024/25 IFAF Under 19s European Championships Medal Rounds
Sunday, April 20: Finland 14 Austria 41
Saturday, May 10: Sweden 24 Finland 21 (OT)
Sunday, September 21: Austria vs Sweden, Football Zentrum, Innsbruck, 1pm CET
2024/25 IFAF Under 19s European Championships Placement Games
Saturday, April 19: Germany 55 Italy 0
Sunday, April 20: Denmark 27 Czechia 18
September 20: Denmark vs Germany, Vejle, Denmark, 3pm CET
September 20: Italy vs Czechia, Padua, Italy, 5pm CET
