Germany surpasses Sweden in a defensive battle
German RB Susanne Erdmann #24 avoids Swedish defender Photo: Tero Turunen
In their first IFAF Women’s World Championship tournament since 2013, Team Germany proved that defense wins games after shutouts Sweden 6-0 in their consolation round game Vantaa, Finland.
Germany came after a tough 63-0 pasting at the hands of Team USA while Sweden were beaten 49-0 by the hosts, Team Finland.
Throughout the first half, neither team could do much offensively Swedish quarterback Linda Widberg gets picked off Sweden’s three first possessions. Germany however, could not capitalize as the closest they could get was Swedish 18-yard line where they were stranded after a fourth-and-long attempt fell short.
The teams entered the third quarter tied 0-0 and the pattern continued as both defenses played solid football. That’s until Swedes failed on a fourth attempt deep in his own zone and Germany took over on the Swedish 25 yard line. Two plays later, with 7:10 left in the period, German quarterback Silvana Friese stepped back and threw a perfect ball to wide receiver Ellen Ries streaking down the sideline, and she took it all the way in for a 31-yard touchdown and the only score of the game.
From then on, the defensive resistance continued even though Sweden reached German red zone twice and the 25-yard line once but were left stranded. Team Germany couldn’t get outside their own 43-yard line for the rest of the game. The 6-0 lead was enough to ensure Germany at least a sixth place in the tournament.
Germany’s law offense was led by Friese, who completed 6 of 20 passes for 101 yards and the touchdown to Ries. She threw an interception. Germany however, couldn’t gain much on the ground as Ries was the leading rusher, gaining 18 yards on one carry. Fullback Pia Schwarz carried the ball five times for 14 yards. Susanne Erdmann added 13 yards on eight carries. Reiss caught three passes for 66 yards and the touchdown. Lisa Vogt hauled in two for 15 yards. Germany had some success through the air, passing for 101 yards on six completions.
Defensive lineman Anna-Lena Kronenberg and linebacker Alissa Oehmke each contributed eight tackles and Kronenberg had 2.5 tackles for losses. Defensive back Carina Liebenthal had two interceptions. Leonie Stockman and Anja Treiber both had an interception.
Sweden were able to move the ball on the ground and rushed 50 times for 195 yards, but they couldn’t sustain a drive and cross the goal line.
Swedish fullback Elin Luuk carried the ball 30 times for 159 yards and added 10 yards on one reception. Quarterback Linda Widberg called her own number 14 times for 36 yards. Widberg added four yards through the air on 2-for-16 passing but threw the four interceptions.
On the other side of the ball, Hedvig Palocci once again led Swedish tackler with 5.5. Game one MVP linebacker Elin Thimfors had 5 tackles, including a sack, and 3 tackles for losses.
Luuk was the game’s MVP for Sweden and Ries was given credit for Germany.
Team Germany HC Tom Balkow:
– I am happy that we won. I’m not happy with how we did it. We couldn’t capitalize on four interceptions, and we have to analyze that. Beyond. It’s a win and we’re in fifth place now. That’s what we always wanted, and now we’re going to prepare for this.
Sweden HC Patric Malmström:
– It was a really tough match. Tight and tough, and the Germans came to play. We had a good plan and stuck to it. We have almost conquered them. Almost.”
As both teams lost their matches in the first round, neither is eligible for the medal round. Germany will have another chance to build momentum for the future as they face off Mexico on Sunday. Meanwhile, Sweden will tie against Australia to try and get their first win of the tournament.