ELF: 3 takeaways from semi-finals

| American Football | 09/13/2022

This past weekend saw the semi-finals in the European League of Football (ELF). Both games proved one-sided but have provided us with some key takeaways heading into the Championship Game.

1. You don’t need to pass when you have Glen Toonga

‘They’re too one-dimensional.’, ‘You need a passing game to succeed in this league.’, ‘He’s not even American.’

These are all things people say before playing Glen Toonga and the Hamburg Sea Devils. After playing the Hamburg Sea Devils you realize that even if you know exactly what they’re going to do, every single play, you still can’t stop it. 

2. The Vikings front seven are going to be tough to deal with

The Vikings front seven proved the most disruptive and impactful force in their one-sided win over the Barcelona Dragons this weekend.

Their ability to control the line of scrimmage will allow the Vikings to control the game and position them to win the title. If they don’t do this however, it’s going to be a long day at the office.

3. The final is in Austria for a reason

Do we really think that this year’s final was in Austria accidentally with an Austrian team playing in it? In the same year that two of the best teams in Europe entered the ELF…both from Austria.

This was planned. It is in the league’s best interest to draw as many people to the final as they can; for financial and marketing reasons. The league bet on one of the Austrian teams making the final and drawing a large crowd to support them; and they were right. Well played Esume, well played.

Daniel Mackenzie is a Press Association graduate who works in journalism and communications in the third sector. Daniel began playing football for the London Warriors and Team Great Britain and has since played across Europe.