In the grand final of the European Championship, the Irish Warriors took on the co-hosts Denmark Vikings. After a furious first quarter start by the Danes, the Irish cementet their status as the team to beat in Europe and secured the title as European Champion in Australian Football with a 17 point victory:

Ireland 11.2(68) d Denmark 8.3(51)

In the match for the bronze medal of the European Championship, the Swedish Elks took on the British Bulldogs. The co-hosts opened their account in a commanding fashion against a committed British side, who were keen to finish the tournament with a victory. In the end, the Swedes were able to secure the third place in Europe after a 10 point victory in what must have been the tournaments closest game:

Sweden 5.9(39) d Great Britiain 3.11(29)

Croatia claimed 5th spot after defeating Iceland in a high-scoring match that saw plenty of goals: Croatia 19.11 (125) to Iceland 12.11 (83). For much of the match the two sides went goal-for-goal however the Icelanders couldn’t keep up allowing the Croats to gradually extend their lead.

In the opening match of the finals day in the European Championship, the German Black Eagles took on the Finnish Icebreakers. With both teams keen to win their first game in the competition, Germany came out as winner:

Germany 5.9(39) d Finland 0.5(5)

A fit, well-drilled, ruthless Irish side defeated host nation Sweden in Malmö, in front of a crowd of around 400 people: Sweden 2.4 (16) to Ireland 13.21 (99). Playing what is arguably the best team in Europe, Sweden did well to restrain the Irish and remain within touching distance for most of the match. But in the end Ireland’s superior stamina, pace and physical presence overwhelmed a clearly tired Swedish side.

In Farum Denmark, the Vikings defeated Great Britain to finish top of their group and ensure a top two finish: Denmark 10.11 (71) to Great Britain 5.5 (35). The two results mean Sweden and Great Britain will now play each other for Bronze.

In Sweden, Croatia defeated Germany in what is fast becoming a fierce rivalry in European Australian Football: Croatia 9.12 (66) to Germany 3.3 (21). Clearly determined to notch up their first win, the Croatians came out firing to score five goals in the first quarter to Germany’s solitary behind. The remainder of the game was tightly contested and often fiery, but Germany were never able to make up for the ground lost in the opening quarter.

In Denmark, Iceland defeated Finland in a close match where the lead changed constantly, before Iceland managed to break away just enough to clinch their first ever win in 16-a-side footy:

Iceland 8.9 (57) to Finland 6.8 (44)