Czech Republic stuns Sweden to advance in IFAF European Championship

The Czech Republic secured a historic 13–0 shutout victory over host nation Sweden in the IFAF Men’s European Championship placement game, advancing to contest fifth place after neutralizing the eight-time finalists at Nobelstadion in Karlskoga.

Defensive struggle defines muddy clash
Torrential rain and a waterlogged field transformed the game into a battle of attrition, with both teams committing turnovers and struggling for offensive rhythm. The Czech Republic’s defense dominated, limiting Sweden to 0-for-3 on fourth-down conversions and forcing three interceptions. Linebacker Jakub Janda blocked a critical first-half field goal attempt, while cornerback Charun Yakhyaev sealed the first-half shutout with a red-zone interception off a trick play.

Hruboň’s leg builds early lead
Kicker Marek Hruboň provided the Czech Republic’s only first-half points, converting 37-yard and 47-yard field goals despite the slippery conditions. His efforts capitalized on Sweden’s offensive miscues, including a fumbled snap by quarterback Viktor Ekberg that gave the Czech Republic possession in Swedish territory. While Sweden’s defense produced highlights—notably safety Sebastian Johansson’s two interceptions of Amos Feranc’s passes—they failed to convert those turnovers into points, leaving the score at 6–0 by halftime.

Prokop’s late touchdown seals historic win
Running back Pavel Prokop broke the stalemate with a 20-yard touchdown rush late in the fourth quarter, capping a drive sparked by Sweden’s muffed punt return. The score, set up by Stanislav Lepič’s fumble recovery at the Sweden 30-yard line, extended the Czech Republic’s lead to 13–0 with two minutes remaining.

Injuries compound Sweden’s frustration
Sweden lost quarterback Ekberg to a head injury during the final drive after a helmet-to-ground collision, forcing backup Max Lamberth into a futile fourth-down attempt. Earlier, a controversial unsportsmanlike conduct penalty nullified Ekberg’s 45-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter, with officials ruling he “showboated” before crossing the goal line.

Czech Republic’s defensive milestones

• 4 forced turnovers (2 interceptions, 2 fumbles)
• 5 sacks, including Tomáš Jenček’s game-ending takedown
• 0 points allowed in red-zone opportunities

Path to fifth place
The victory marks the Czech Republic’s second upset of the tournament after their 14–7 group-stage win over France. They will host Denmark in October’s placement final, aiming to secure their highest-ever European Championship finish. Sweden, meanwhile, drops to the seventh-place game after failing to score for the first time in 23 IFAF senior team appearances.

Key stats

• Total yards: Czech Republic 217, Sweden 189
• Third-down efficiency: Czech Republic 4/12, Sweden 2/10
• Time of possession: Czech Republic 31:14, Sweden 28:46

The shutout underscores the Czech Republic’s emergence as a defensive powerhouse in European football, while Sweden faces a reckoning after their worst offensive showing in two decades.