Switzerland crushes Denmark 64–0 to reach European Championship semifinals for first time since 1987
The visiting Swiss national team delivered a historic performance Saturday, October 17, routing host Denmark 64–0 in Vejle to clinch a berth in the 2026–27 IFAF Men’s European Championship Level 1 semifinals.
The victory, the largest in Switzerland’s international football history, completed an unbeaten Group D campaign following an 11–9 win over the Czech Republic and sent the Swiss into the European semifinals for the first time in nearly 40 years.
Explosive start puts Switzerland in control
Switzerland wasted no time taking command as Nolan O’Leary of the Bern Grizzlies returned the opening kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown.
Quarterback Loris Lenzlinger followed with a 39-yard scoring strike to Ismael Schmid of the Calanda Broncos, before Marwin Reimer added a short touchdown run to give the visitors a 21–0 first-quarter lead.
Denmark showed some resistance in the second quarter, but the Swiss defense refused to surrender any points.
Benaya Alerini intercepted two passes, helping preserve the 21–0 halftime advantage.
Photo: 1st Down Photo
Swiss offense erupts after halftime
Lenzlinger connected with running back Noah Bachofen for a touchdown on fourth down to open the second-half scoring.
Leonardo Wirz then intercepted a Danish pass and returned it to the five-yard line, setting up Erik Rageth’s short touchdown run.
A blocked Danish punt gave Switzerland another opportunity, and Amel Adjovi scored from two yards out to extend the lead to 42–0 entering the fourth quarter.
Lennox Gautschi added a touchdown before Mika Steiger sacked the Danish quarterback in the end zone for a safety.
Reimer scored his second touchdown, and Gautschi followed with another after an interception by Lucio Tettamanti.
Selome Adzayi capped the defensive masterpiece with an interception in the final minute.
Photo: 1st Down Photo
Historic semifinal berth secured
Head coach Geoff Buffum and defensive coordinator Alonso Espinosa have guided Switzerland into the European Championship’s final four for the first time since 1987.
After three consecutive European Championship campaigns ending in preliminary-round elimination, the Swiss have now defeated two higher-ranked opponents in successive weeks.
The semifinals are scheduled for August 7–8, 2027, with defending champion Austria a potential opponent.
For Switzerland, the remarkable turnaround represents a milestone in the country’s American football history.
