Finnish women have won the third European championship in American football. Germany was defeated in a close match at the wet Myyrmäki football stadium with a score of 6-0 (0-0). The decisive touchdown of the match was scored by quarterback Tytti Kuusinen in the third quarter.

The match, played in heavy rain, started as a tight defensive battle, where turnovers by the offenses brought excitement to both sides of the championship match. The first turnover came right from the kickoff, which the Finns lost to Germany.

Finland’s offense never found a good rhythm throughout the game, advancing only 102 yards in total. Of that, 45 yards came from the game-winning Tytti Kuusinen TD run. In the rainy conditions, the Finns managed to advance only 4 net yards through the air. Finnish quarterbacks Pinja Lepistö and Nea Tormänen each completed one pass. The Finnish offense lost the ball to the opponent a total of six times during the match, including two interceptions and several fumbles.

The foundation for victory was built on defense

Tytti Kuusinen decided the game with her TD, but the foundation for Finland’s victory was built on the defensive side. The Germans advanced 136 yards through the air during the match, but the Finnish secondary delivered timely tackles to the ball carriers, limiting the German receivers’ yards after the catch.

The most aggressive tacklers on the Finnish team were Evi Laajapuro with nine and Kaisla Honkaniemi with 8.5 tackles. Nelli Malk made two crucial interceptions in the game, stopping the well-advancing German offensive drives before they reached the end zone.

Tytti Kuusinen was awarded the best player of Finland, having been part of winning all of Finland’s championships. The MVP award for the Germans went to defensive lineman Anna-Lena Kronenberg, who had 7.5 tackles and two quarterback sacks in the game.

Finland has now won three out of the four European championships available.

Check out: Match statistics

Photo: Jari Turunen