Team France came from behind to down Germany 14-6 to win the gold medal in American football at the 2017 World Games at the Olympic Stadium in Wroclaw, Poland Monday.
Not only did they win the gold medal but the French team led by head coach Patrick Esume became historic. This was the first time in history that France has beaten Germany’s national American football men’s team in seven tries. The last time these two played each other was at the 2010 European Championships when Germany won 26-10.
American football was played as an invitational sport this year. The last time American football was included as an invitational sport at the World Games was in 2005 when Duisburg, Germany played host and the home team won it all. Germany beat Sweden 20–6 in the final game while France took third place, beating Australia 14–0 in the consolation final. The United States was not represented at the event.
France RB Stephen Yepmo battling for yardage Photo: BTW Photographers
In a game marred by a second half thunderstorm and heavy downpour, Team France’s ground game proved to be the difference. Running back Stephen Yepmo scored his second touchdown of the tournament with two minutes left in the game to clinch the victory.
Team France WR Kevin Mwamba with Germany defenders in pursuit Photo: BTW Photographers
Germany had taken a first quarter lead when Paul Zimmerman, who started at quarterback, found receiver Kwami Ofori in the end zone with just over a minute left to give the Germans a 6-0 lead.
Team France celebrating Photo: BTW Photographers
Then Team France quarterback Paul Durand, connected with wide receiver Robin Sebeille and Jefferson Alexandre kicked the extra point to give France a 7-6 lead.
After that, neither team could gain an advantage as the game was played between the 20 yard lines. But with France clinging to the one point lead, Yepmo clinched it for France at the 2:02 mark and Team France started celebrating.