The Finnish men’s American football national team secured an important victory over the Czech Republic in the opening game of the European Championship group stage. The game, held in Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic, ended in Finland’s favor with a score of 6–28 (6–21).

The first quarter, which ended 0-0, was marked by precise play and dominant defenses on both sides. Early in the second quarter, Finland got on the scoreboard when linebacker Timi Nuikka intercepted Czech quarterback Amos Feranec’s pass and returned it to the end zone, executing a spectacular pick-six.

The Finnish offense, which in the first quarter had primarily advanced through running back Tom Suoste’s rushes, gained new momentum from Nuikka’s score. Quarterback Ambro Urjansson improved his timing with his receivers, and his passing efforts were rewarded with touchdowns from Verneri Rainio and Joel Särkelä, who each celebrated their scores in the opponent’s end zone.

The home team achieved its only score in the final second of the second quarter when quarterback Feranec found his receiver near the goal line with a hail-mary pass.

Like the first quarter, the third quarter was scoreless. The game’s final outcome was solidified in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter when defensive back Aatu Tuokko made an impressive interception off the Czech quarterback’s pass and returned it for Finland’s second pick-six. Anssi Ruohonen reliably kicked extra points for all four of Finland’s touchdowns.

Head coach Mikko Koikkalainen expressed satisfaction with the crucial victory. The defense, in particular, earned high praise from the head coach:

”An outstanding game from the defense—it was decisive today. The offense had a somewhat slow start and made minor errors throughout the game, which kept points off the board. But overall, we controlled the game. Rene Rautainen made an impressive debut on the national team. Timi Nuikka was everywhere on defense.”

Quarterback Ambro Urjansson twisted his ankle during a sack in the final quarter and had to briefly yield his position to Rasmus Laalo. Hopefully, Urjansson’s injury is minor and he will be back in peak form for the game against France in two weeks.

Finland’s European Championship journey continues on Saturday, October 26, 2024, when they face France, the group’s third team, at 12:30 p.m. in Myyrmäki, Vantaa. That evening, Finnish American football will celebrate its 45th anniversary at the Helsinki Cultural Barracks at 7:00 p.m.