Austria’s opponent is Finland, which defeated Sweden in the first semi-final on Saturday. The EM final is planned for the last weekend in October. The place and time have not yet been determined. Both the Finnish association SAJL and the Austrian AFBÖ can apply to host the event.
The game
After a strong return from the kick off by the Italians Vincent MuellerAustria initially pushed and established the running game Anton and Florian Wegan. After that, the offense increased briefly in the pass game, a 4&11 Florian Bierbaumer kept the drive alive with a rushing touchdown by Tobias Bonatti for the 7:0 has been completed (PAT Arno Schwarz).
Italy relied on his passing through Luke Zahradkabut the receivers, including Jordan Bouah, all dropped his balls. A mistake on the punt brought Austria back onto the field in a promising field position. Italy seemed anything but well-rehearsed and coordinated on offense. Shortly thereafter it was ready 14:0if Yannick Mayr Visited the Azzurri’s end zone (PAT Arno Schwarz).
Italy’s preparation for the game was apparently brief. The drops of the guests continued, had again Ivan Giuliani Huge problems when trying to punt, Austria started at Italy’s 40. At least Italy’s defense slowly came into play, prevented further points and almost scored. Instead of a pick 6 of Marco Taddia he lost the ball at Austria’s 20 yard line – to QB Alex Thury.
Italy stayed true to their offensive line and the special teams didn’t work at all either. For Austria there was still a field goal in the first half Arno Schwarz for the 17:0 inside.
One of eleven
After 11 passes, more than half of which could have been caught, Italy’s playmaker made his first completion four minutes before half-time Luke Zahradka. Of course on Bouah. Then Zahradka unpacked the cannelloni. It didn’t work with violence, but a shovel did Jordan Bouah brought Italy into the scoring range for the first time. And indeed, the guests got their first points shortly before the end. Thomas Finadri with the 2 yards catch to 17:7 (PAT Ivan Giuliani) half-time score.
By the way, Jordan plays at Tivoli #Bouah at Italy 1-1 against his @ViennaVikings teammate Benjamin Straight; Team Austria’s defense coordinator, who is tasked with keeping Bouah in check, is his head coach in Vienna @ChrisCalaycay.
This is football in Europe. 🇦🇹🏈🇮🇹 #autvsita
— Walter 🏈 Reiterer (@footballaustria) August 6, 2023
The second half started with Italy’s offense. Little changed in character. The short passes did work, as did the DC defense Chris Calaycay, who coached against his top receiver in Vienna (Bouah), was well prepared for it. What was new was that after the 3 & Out the punt worked for Italy.
Austria stayed true to the running game and it worked.
However, the drive could not be completed with points, a field goal attempt failed when the third quarter was already drawing to a close. Austria’s defense conquered a fumble from RB Michael Gentiles on their own 31 and it remained a 2-score game at the last change of sides.
The second half featured strong defenses on both sides. Austria had to punt after the missed field goal, a sack of Noel Swancar on Zahradka but initiated a turnover on downs of Italy. The clock was ticking and it was ticking for Team Austria. However, that didn’t get going offensively either. Another punt unleashed Italy’s offense eight minutes from time.
But Austria’s defense was there again, which again fumbled, this time from Gabriel de Moura Piola in a hurdle attempt, through Patrick Pilgrim could secure. The chance for Austria to put the lid on it. And it banged Florian Bierbaumer after a pass from Alex Thury on top – 24:7 (PAT Arno Schwarz) and the pasta was al dente.
Italy’s attempts to get back into the game remained fruitless at the end of the game. Austria took back the ball right 3 minutes before the end of the game, took away the guests’ timeouts and time from the clock. Italy got the ball back 3 scores behind at 1:31 – missione impossible, as the Romans say. Despite the hopelessness, Italy pulled itself together. The connection Zahradka-Bouah went deep for the first time and it stood 24:14 (PAT Ivan Giuliani). The subsequent onside kick landed in the arms of Austria, who was able to kneel the game to victory.
The AFBÖ team is in the final of the European Football Championship for the third time after 2014 and 2018.
votes on the game
Max SommerHead Coach Team Austria: “It was the game we expected. It certainly didn’t all work out today. Hats off to Italy, they defended our run well. Still, we got 24 points on the board. Our defense played so smart at the back and played the game home. I’m still not quite aware of what it means to reach the World Cup final. Our dream is alive. If we play at home, the place will burn.”
David JulianHead Coach Team Italy: “Austria played a very strong game. We didn’t execute like we should. We can’t win that against Austria like that. We didn’t let up, we didn’t stop fighting, but it wasn’t enough.”
Alexander ThuryQuarterback Team Austria: “It was the expected tough game, both teams wanted to reach the European Championship final. We were the better team for four quarters, even if not everything worked out. Now we’re going to make the most of the time until the finale and then we’ll get the gold!’
Leon BaloghD-Liner Team Austria: “A team consists of many parts, not just the defense. We won together. Now on to the final. Being in the final is something new for many of the team. We are looking forward to it.”
Tobias BonattiRunning Back Team Austria: “We played a solid game, moved the ball well and did what was needed. In 2018 I was in the final of the European Championship, against France in Finland. When we talk to former players who were at the EURO 2014 final, for example, they always tell us to bring the title home. That would be huge!”
Florian BierbaumerWide Receiver Team Austria: “Our team structure is great. We play for each other. This is how you win games – together, not alone. Now we want the title and we will give everything for it!”
IFAF European Championship semifinals
Austria vs. Italy 24:14
(14:0/3:7/0:0/7:7)
SUN August 6, 2023 5:00 p.m. Tivoli Stadium Innsbruck, 2,732
Scores:
Austria
Touchdowns: Tobias Bonatti, Yannick Mayr, Florian Bierbaumer
Extra points: Arno Schwarz (3)
field goal: Arno Schwarz
Italy
Touchdown: Thomas Finadri, Jordan Bouah
extra point: Ivan Giuliani (2)
Finland in the final for the 10th time
Finland’s Yankee football players beat Sweden in the EC semi-final played in Vantaa on Saturday with a score of 33-14 (19-0). With their victory, Finland qualified for the tenth EC final match in its national team history 🏈 READ MORE: pic.twitter.com/xY2wwMFhj8
– SAJLfootball (@SAJLfootball) August 5, 2023
Opponent of the Austrians in the final is Finland, which took part in the second semi-final on Saturday in Vantaa in front of 797 spectators 33:14 was able to prevail against Sweden. The five-time European champion is in a European Championship final for the tenth time in history.
“We were very well prepared, that’s why we won. After the break we lost the thread a bit, but quickly found our way back into the game. Our special teams were outstanding, which was extremely important in the game. But I’m also very satisfied with the defense and our offense was able to do what we had hoped for.”said Finland’s head coach Mikko Koikkalainen.
Finland vs. Sweden 33:14
(6:0/13:0/0:7/14:7)
SA 5. August 2023 · Vantaa Finland, 797
IN Finale
Austria vs. Finland
TBA · TBA
3rd place match
Italy vs Sweden
TBA vs. TBA
Eternal medal table of American Football European Championships
Platz
Land
Gold
Silber
Bronze
1 Finland 5 4 3 2 Germany 3 3 4 3 Italy 3 3 1 4 Great Britain 2 0 1 5 Sweden 1 2 1 6 France 1 1 1
7.
Austria
0
2
2
8 Netherlands 0 0 1 8 Ukraine 0 0 1
2023-08-06 23:41:52
#Austria #European #Championship #final #time #Austrias #Football #Portal
