The Finnish women’s national American football team achieved a stunning 31–13 (7-0) victory over the reigning European champion Spain on Saturday in the final match of the EM group stage held in Zaragoza. With this win, Finland secured a place in the EM final, which will be played in August at Finland’s home ground in Myyrmäki, Vantaa.

Finland also avenged their previous loss to Spain in the EM series deciding game. The last encounter between the teams in Vantaa in 2023 ended with Spain winning 12–0.

Finland started the game strongly and scored points right on their first offensive drive. Tytti Kuusinen completed the day’s first touchdown with her rushing play. After the opening drive, Spain managed to effectively stifle Finland’s game, but they only reached Finland’s end zone for the first time in the third quarter, when wide receiver Paula Martinez broke away from Finland’s defenders after her catch to score a beautiful touchdown, leveling the score.

Three touchdowns for Tytti Kuusinen

The decisive moment of the match came at the end of the third quarter when Tytti Kuusinen scored her second touchdown. Finland’s coaching staff decided to take a risk and go for a two-point conversion instead of a kick. In a situation of 13–7, Aino Joro successfully caught Nea Törmänen’s pass in the end zone, shifting the momentum entirely to Finland.

In the final quarter of the game, Kuusinen crowned her day with her third touchdown, and the final score was completed by Emilia Kempi’s touchdown and a successful two-point conversion.

Both of Spain’s touchdowns were credited to the speedy Martinez.

Spain entered the match with better conditions, as the national league had already been underway for the spring. In Finland, the women’s Maple League will kick off only a week later, and it took time for the players from the northern country to get into game rhythm.

A big thank you for the final result goes to Finland’s defense, which, except for one long pass, effectively shut down the home team’s attacks even in tight situations.

EM final in Myyrmäki on Saturday, August 22

Finland won all three of its group stage matches in the EM tournament and will compete for the European championship on Saturday, August 22, at the Myyrmäki football stadium in Vantaa. Finland’s opponent will be determined based on the result of the match between Great Britain and Germany played on Sunday. Along with Great Britain and Germany, Spain still has a chance to qualify for the final based on point difference.

Finland’s points

• Tytti Kuusinen 18
• Emilia Kemppi 8
• Aino Joro 2
• Nea Törmänen 2
• Annika Kyröläinen 1

Photos: Lola Morales