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IFAF Paris 2017 European Junior Championship set to start

Four of the top U19 teams in Europe are getting set to compete for the 2017 IFAF Paris European crown. Reigning champions, Team Austria, have won the last three titles but expect a challenge with Germany being the leading contender. Host nation France and newcomers Italy round out the final four.

All the games will be played at Stadium Laurent Pleagelatte – Av Jean Fourgeaud 93420 Villepinte.

The schedule is as follows:

Friday, July 14, 2 pm

Game 1: France v. Germany

Friday July 14, 6 pm

Game 2: Austria v. Italy

Sunday July 16, 11 am Bronze Medal Game

Loser Game 1 v. Loser Game 2

Sunday July 16, 3 pm Gold Medal Game

Winner Game 1 v. Winner Game 2

TEAM AUSTRIA

Head Coach : Roman Floredo

Winner : 2011, 2013, 2015

The 2017 Austrian team will again be a favorite to defend its title. Head coach Floredo has picked a solid team with several young players already having experience in the Austrian Football League.  Austria’s challenge is not to become over confident. Each player is from a different generation and this 2017 team is not the same as the 2015 squad. Nevertheless, the pressure is on the Austrians to win an unprecedented fourth crown.

TEAM ITALY

Head Coach : Paolo Borchini

Winner: —

Team Italy is a newcomer on the European U19 scene. Head coach Brochini’s players defeated Serbia in a qualifying game before arriving at Villepinte. Thus, they enter the tournament without pressure. That can make them a dangerous opponent for Austria on opening day.

TEAM GERMANY

Head coach: Peter Springwald

Winner : 2008

The German team enters this tournament, looking for a rematch. Peter Springwald’s team lost to the Austrian in 2015 Euro U19 Final in Dresden. They  waltzed through the qualification tournament beating Switzerland 51-0 and Spain 47-0. Many of their key players are playing in the German Football League.  Their path to the final is through the opening match against France.

TEAM FRANCE

Head Coach : Emmanuel Maguet

Winner : 2004 , 2006

France is playing this tournament at home.  Does this mean added pressure or is it an advantage?  Head coach Maguet’s players  have been preparing for this game since 2015. Although facing Germany in the opening game is a daunting task, Team France has won this tournament twice before and will be ready.

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