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		<title>Football WM 2011 News</title>
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		<description>News at Football WM 2011</description>
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			<title>Football WM 2011 News</title>
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			<description>News at Football WM 2011</description>
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			<link>http://www.americanfootball2011.com/</link>
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			<pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
			
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			<title>USA defends SWC title</title>
			<link>http://www.americanfootball2011.com/</link>
			<description>USA won the gold medal at the IFAF World Championship against Canada with a score of 50:7 in front of 20.000 fans in Vienna, Austria.
</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[The United States produced a stunning display of offensive fireworks and defensive dominance to humble Canada 50-7 in the Gold Medal game of the 2011 IFAF Senior World Championship and defend the world title won in Japan in 2007.
Incredibly USA scored 21 points and Canada registered seven inside the last 1-minute 51 of the first half and the defending champion rarely looked likely to lose its grip on the world crown at the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna, Austria.
USA began efficiently as quarterback Cody Hawkins moved the chains on an important third down completion, a Henry Harris run also earned a first down and they battled to the Canada one. From there Nate Kmic broke the plain as he was tackled and USA opened a 7-0 lead with 7.42 to play in the first quarter.
Canada might have hit straight back but the usually safe hands of Scott Valberg dropped a long pass into US territory. Both teams exchanged punts before Canada pressed to tie the contest.
Valberg held on to move the ball to the US 35-yard mark and quarterback Mike Faulds then went to him in the end zone. Corner DeWayne Lewis broke up the pass thinking he had an interception but was ruled out of bounds.
To open the second quarter Faulds targeted Shamawd Chambers and Matt Walter carried to the 10 and Faulds thought he had made it to the one-yard mark. But the ball was frustratingly ruled to have been fumbled through the end zone for a touchback.
USA were merciless in reply. Matt Bassuener broke free up the middle to race clear 23 yards for a touchdown behind blocks of Nick Rossi and Luke Summers and score for a 14-0 lead.
Daniel Caralano and Charles Bay hunted down Faulds in backfield for a loss, Bay came up with a sack and rather than risk USA coming back at them with the advantage strong field position Canada took a deliberate safety and opted to kick clear having given up two more points.
The plan backfired as Ricardo Lenhart returned the free kick to the Canada 32 and a Harris run put the ball back into the red zone. Hawkins scrambled out to the left from seven yards for a commanding 23-0 lead with 1:51 to play.
Canada punted and the ruthless Americans scored again as Joe Sturdivant collected a pass lofted over the secondary by Hawkins for a 27-yard touchdown with 40 seconds on the clock.
Canada looked assured of going into the locker room with a foothold as David Stevens took a 19-yard pass from Faulds in for a touchdown, but incredibly USA scored again. A squib kick aimed at preventing the US from gaining significant return yards hit the first player in its path and was recovered at the Canada 38. From there Hawkins dropped a pass into the end zone for Lenhart to score and bring up a breathtaking 37-7 halftime score.
USA safety Jordan Lake intercepted Faulds on the first drive of the second half to take possession at Canada's 13 and on the next play, Kmic increased the lead to 43-7 on the ground.
The rivals traded punts then Lake came up with his second interception near midfield and three plays later on first and goal at the five, Harris took the handoff for another touchdown and USA led by 43 points.
Chambers, David Stevens and Alexandre Poirier moved the ball successfully downfield, but Michel-Pierre Pontibrand came up marginally short on a fourth down rush for Canada at the USA 7-yard mark.
Donnie Marshall, now under center for Canada, guided the persistent silver medalists downfield to take four shots at the end zone as time ran out on them scoring a second consolation touchdown.
USA vs Canada <b>50:7<br /></b>Date: July 16, 2011<br />Site: Vienna<br />Stadium: Ernst Happel Stadium<br />Attendance: 20.000<br /><b>Link:</b> <link 131 - internal-link>Game Statistics</link>]]></content:encoded>
			
			<author>daniel.fettner@afboe.at</author>
			<pubDate>Sat, 16 Jul 2011 23:37:00 +0200</pubDate>
			
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			<title>Germany remains Europe's #1</title>
			<link>http://www.americanfootball2011.com/</link>
			<description>Germany outlasted France 21:17 to claim fifth place at the IFAF Senior World Championship at the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna.
</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Quarterback Joachim Ullrich threw a tournament record longest pass completion of 89 yards that receiver Niklas Romer took all the way to the end zone for German’s first lead of the game at 21-14 in the fourth quarter and France could only muster a field goal in reply.
The win was a repeat of Germany’s European Championship victory over France in 2010.
“There wasn’t much difference between the two teams,” said Germany Sport Director Marshall Happer.&nbsp; “It was a very close game.&nbsp; The only difference was the play at the end of the game; the 89 yard touchdown pass. 
“The game changer was when we had the ball on the three-yard line from the punt and we got the long touchdown pass.&nbsp; Other than that, it was back and forth the whole game. 
“Of course we wanted to win the game and show everybody there is a reason we were the European Champions last year.&nbsp; It was very important to us.&nbsp; We take a lot of pride in that. 
“France played a hell of the game.&nbsp; They definitely improved from last year.&nbsp; They are going to be tough to compete with down the line.&nbsp; The team has a lot of young guys.”
France coach Larry Legault said: “I am very proud of our players.&nbsp; We progressed through camp and the tournament.&nbsp; The guys played 48 minutes as hard as they could. 
“From my prospective, I could not be happier as far as their output, drive and desire.&nbsp; I just wish I could have helped them get a win today.”
Germany punted away the game’s opening possession before France moved impressively downfield, most notably through a 30-yard Paul Durand grab on a crossing pattern and good yards after the catch.&nbsp; But led by linebacker Scott Jasson, who drove running back Dimitri Kiernan back for a loss and ended the game with 11 tackles, France also punted the ball away.
France earned four consecutive first downs as Jeremy Rabot in the air and twice Kiernan and Laurent Marceline on battering runs up the middle plowed the ball to Germany’s 27-yard mark.
As the game moved into the second quarter Marceline took advantage of great blocking, notably from his backfield partner Kiernan, to race off left end almost untouched for a 24-yard touchdown and a 7-0 France lead after the extra point.
Germany’s immediate reply, a determined 28-yard run by Jerome Morris, was aided by a facemask and half distance to the goal penalty.
France bit on a fake handoff and gave Joachim Ulrich time to pump fake and then hit Niklas Roemer in the corner of the end zone for a 14-yard touchdown and tie the game after Denis Wiehberg’s extra point.
Germany were backed up to their own six-yard line by a French punt and themselves punted from their own end zone where Pascal Maier boomed a 65-yarder to relieve the pressure.&nbsp; 
Germany might have headed into the locker room with an unexpected lead, but an interception return by Oliver Radke was halted before the defensive back could reach paydirt.
When France threatened after the break, a Sprauel pass was deflected on third and nine to seemingly snuff out the French challenge, but instead a pass interference call took the ball to within three yards of the end zone.&nbsp; Game MVP Marceline punched the ball home and France led again, this time by 14-7.
Germany moved the ball confidently downfield in reply with a catch by Pascal Maier to the edging them inside the red zone.&nbsp; Danny Washington showcased his speed by getting to the outside earn first and goal and on the next play, Washington took the two-yard handoff for a touchdown and again the game was tied with 1:25 remaining in the third quarter.
France had no answer offensively and then German quarterback Ullrich spectacularly found a wide open Romer with an 89-yard bomb that the receiver too all the way to the end zone.&nbsp; Germany led for the first time with 8:58 remaining and would not relinquish the advantage, while Romer took his team’s MVP award.
“I think this was the biggest game of my career,” said Romer.&nbsp; “Playing in the world championship and playing against great team and being able to get stats like that.&nbsp; To be part of a team that is able to do such things. 
“It was awesome.&nbsp; Today, we had a big crowd and a great atmosphere.”
Marceline gained what was now becoming a rare first down for France then after a false start call, while Spraul faced the pressure of a key third and 12 situation and responded by connecting with Steve Berton to move into German territory.&nbsp; Sprauel and Berton tagged on another ten yards, but on third and three, the German defense held.&nbsp; 
France coach Larry Legault opted to take three points from a 44-yard Bruno Nekili field goal to trail by four points and challenge his defense to get the ball back with only 2:43 remaining.&nbsp; But the German offense powered by Ullrich and Romer kept possession and were able to run out the clock.]]></content:encoded>
			
			<author>daniel.fettner@afboe.at</author>
			<pubDate>Sat, 16 Jul 2011 18:11:00 +0200</pubDate>
			
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			<title>Japan earns bronze medal</title>
			<link>http://www.americanfootball2011.com/</link>
			<description>A blocked field goal in the final seconds of the game for the 3rd place at the IFAF World Championship saved the bronze medal for Team Japan.

</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan won consolation for not contesting the world championship for the first time since the competition began in 1999 by winning the Bronze Medal with a narrow 17-14 victory over a resilient Mexico.
The tight battle that was predicted between a bruising Mexico and finely tuned Japan played out as expected as Mexico attempted to force overtime on the game’s final drive and only fell short when a 50-yard field goal attempt by Jose Carlos Maltos was blocked as time expired.
“I knew that it would be a close game, but to tell you the truth I didn’t have a lot of confidence about beating Mexico,” said Japan head coach Kiyoyuki Mori.
Mexico head coach Raul Rivera Sanchez said the decision to line up for the field goal: “The team was very confident with our kicker.&nbsp; He is the best in Mexico.&nbsp; We have seen him kick field goals of 60 yards.&nbsp; We were in the right position to make it.
“I am very proud to represent my country of Mexico and represent this team.&nbsp; We finished in fourth place, so now we return to Mexico and work hard and prepare for the next World Championship.”
Defenses canceled out any hope there might have been of offensive fireworks and were alert to the trick plays favored by Japan.&nbsp; But fans were kept on the edge of their seats by an intriguing battle.&nbsp; 
“Our defensive line did a great job,” said Japan’s coach Mori.&nbsp; “After watching the Mexico-USA game, we knew that Mexico was a great team, especially the offensive line is so great.&nbsp; We knew we had to stop the run first. I think that was a key moment of this game. 
“Of course we wanted to win the championship, but we did not make it.&nbsp; Obviously we are very disappointed.&nbsp;&nbsp; All the teams here are so great.&nbsp; The only thing we can do is our best, so I am very proud of our team.”
Two bruising defenses went to work to keep the first quarter scoreless as both teams punted away their opening possessions before Japan broke the deadlock.&nbsp; Mexico did make some offensive progress, but a 55-yard field goal attempt limped short.
An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Mexico for leading with the helmet and a pinpoint pass from Tetsuo Takata to Ken Shimizu drove Japan to the Mexico 15.
Takata then saw a hole open up as he dropped back to pass and ran in almost untouched from 15 yards for a 7-0 lead after Daisuke Aoki’s automatic extra point with five minutes to play in the half.
Mexico hit straight back as Diego Viamontes tore off an 82-yard kickoff return down the right sideline behind excellent blocking for a touchdown and Mexico were suddenly level at 7-7.
Japan were quick to reply as Takeshi Miyaki intercepted Rodrigo Perez with 1.36 remaining in the half and a half the distance to the goal line penalty after the play on Mexico took the ball to the 12.&nbsp; Japan tried the same quarterback draw that had brought six points earlier, but this time Mexico was wise to the play and dropped Takata for a loss.
Japan need not have worried as Takata found Naoki Maeda in the endzone for a 19-yard touchdown and the extra point put Japan ahead 17-7 with 8:39 left in the third quarter.
Mexico’s offense was unable to make headway, but the defense stood firm and when Japan snapped the ball in a wildcat formation, ran a reverse and Koki Kato tossed the ball to quarterback Takata, he was halted for no gain.&nbsp; That set up a field goal for Aoki, but the usually reliable kicker pulled his attempt wide from 23 yards.
That was just the inspiration Mexico needed and a long pass from Perez that deflected between the hands of a defensive back and was caught in the end zone by Heriberto Salazar would have produced a touchdown but for an illegal second forward pass on the trick play.
Mexico got the ball back again and earned a first down through a roughing the passer penalty against Japan and Perez scrambled for a key gain that was called back for holding.&nbsp; Remaining calm in the pocket, Perez dumped a perfect pass over the middle to move the chains and then the hurry up offense gave Mexico the touchdown needed to ignite their comeback attempt.
Perez rolled out to the right and found Salazar reaching high at the back of the end zone to cut the deficit to three points with a 10-yard touchdown grab.
With more than three minutes remaining, Mexico chose to let their defense halt Japan rater than attempt an onside kick.&nbsp; The clock ticked down to 1:38 remaining before a key third down stop forced Japan to punt and Aoki put the ball into the end zone for a touchback as the bounce favored Mexico.
With no timeouts remaining and only 1.12 to play, Mexico desperately moved to midfield and spiked the ball three downs later with 18 seconds in hand and fourth down looming.&nbsp; Perez scrambled to move the chains and a late hit out of bounds tagged on 15 yards taking the ball to the 34.&nbsp; 
Mexico had time for one play before considering attempting a game-tying field goal, but an incomplete pass forced out the kicking until for a 50-yard try.&nbsp; The low kick was blocked and time ran out on the Mexican comeback.
Former NFL Europe standout linebacker Manuel Padilla earned MVP honors for Mexico, while Maeda celebrated Japan’s honor and a third place finish.
Japan vs. Mexico <b>17:14<br /></b>Date: July 15, 2011<br />Site: Vienna<br />Stadium: Ernst Happel Stadium<br />Attendance: 4000<br /><b>Link:</b> <link 130 - internal-link>Game Statistics</link>]]></content:encoded>
			
			<author>daniel.fettner@afboe.at</author>
			<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jul 2011 23:09:00 +0200</pubDate>
			
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			<title>One for the fans</title>
			<link>http://www.americanfootball2011.com/</link>
			<description>Host Austria finally has the first win at the IFAF World Championship. The Austrians beat Australia in the game for the 7th place. 

</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Austria triumphed 48-10 over a misfiring Australia to claim seventh place at the 2011 IFAF Senior World Championship at Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna.
Running back Mario Nerad tied a tournament record by scoring three touchdowns in a single game, while quarterback Thomas Haider completed 12 of 18 passes for 184 yards in an MVP performance as Austria delighted the home crowd with their first win.
“It is your goal to win every time out and I thought we played much better today,” said Austria head coach Rick Rhoades.&nbsp; “It was gratifying to see that and you always want to finish on a high note.&nbsp; It was good to win. 
“We were able to do many more things offensively well than earlier in the tournament. Our quarterback had a great game.&nbsp; He gave us a tremendous lift.&nbsp; It is nothing negative towards anyone else.&nbsp; When he got an opportunity he took it, like champions do.&nbsp; He did a great job for us.”
Australia head coach John Leijten added: “Today, unfortunately we were not able to hang with Austria. All the credit goes to them; they are a strong football team.
“There are a lot of positives.&nbsp; The level of local competition here in Europe is so much higher than in Australia.&nbsp; It takes a long time to adjust to the speed of the players that come from the U.S. and Mexico and we played against the top European teams as well.&nbsp; It is a huge learning curve for our guys.&nbsp; This was the first step in the plan to raise the level of football in Australia.”
A short opening kickoff gave Australia good starting field position and the Outback offense gradually edged into Austrian territory before Luke Fredericks moved the chains on third down at the Austrian 26.&nbsp; Kiernan Dorney overthrew Locklan Gilbert in the corner endzone and then hit receiver Ryan Dwyer who stayed on his feet when tackled to force extra yards and move to the host’s 13-yard mark.&nbsp; But Dorney was intercepted in the end zone by Alexander Cucek as a scoring chance went begging.
Two Stefan Holzinger runs either side of a Haider scramble earned three consecutive first downs and swept the Austrians downfield and Haider, staring in place of Christoph Gross, then hit Daniel Stanzel completely open at the edge of the end zone for a 26-yard touchdown.
The Aussie offense was misfiring and Dorney threw the ball up for grabs and Johannes Neusser intercepted, putting the home offense back on the field.
On first play in reply Haider was almost picked when going long towards Jakob Dieplinger before Florian Grein charged up middle behind great blocks for 22 yards.
A Haider pass into the end zone to open the second quarter drew a pass interference call moving the ball to the three-yard mark and a Dieplinger catch at the one led to Nerad making it 14-0 on the ground from three yards away.
Austria soon had the ball back again and opened up a 21-point advantage.&nbsp; Haider scrambled for 22 yards and a diving Andreas Proeller juggled and held a one-handed grab to move the ball down to the three-yard mark.&nbsp; Heider handed off to Grein who lofted a pass to Dieplinger in the corner of the end zone.
Armando Ponce de Leon fumbled when fair-catching an Australian punt and the Outback special teams recovered inside the red zone to resume a drive that had stalled offensively.&nbsp; A pass to Ryan Dwyer came up just short of a first down and Australia settled for a 28-yard Nathan Brown field goal to put points on the board.
Austria again dialed up the pass by a running back after a handoff, but this time Holzinger was picked off by Chris Pearce, though Australia were unable to capitalize and missed a 50-yard field goal attempt.
A screen pass to Nerad moved Austria instantly to the Australian 34 and then Heider carried the ball himself into the red zone.&nbsp; Ponce de Leon came up with a diving catch a yard from paydirt with 16 seconds on the clock and Nerad then went in untouched for a touchdown from a yard out.
A big Australia sack drove Austria all the way back to their own 19-yard mark and third and 20 on the opening possession of the second half and forced them to punt.
Australia went to work with a hurry-up offense that paid dividends.&nbsp; Tyson Garnham made a huge gain through a gaping hole up the middle to the 24, a short pass dumped off to Matt Croasdaile ate up nine more yards and Dorney hit Lewis Wyten to bring up first and goal at the nine-yard mark.
Again from the no-huddle, a hole opened up for a Dorney rush to within a yard of scoring and then Nathan Lansdell broke the plain on the second effort, cutting the deficit to 18 points.
Austria quarterback Haider continued his stellar performance that earned team MVP honors, breaking through the defense to Australia's own 9.&nbsp; Again Haider ran the ball himself and came up just short of the endzone at the one-yard line.&nbsp; Running back Nerad claimed his third rushing touchdown of the game, equaling the tournament record, and Austria led 34-10 with 2:49 left in the third quarter.
“When Thomas got his shot in the last game, he came in and made some great throws and leadership and did a good job,” said coach Rhoades of his quarterback.&nbsp; “In my mind, he earned the right to start the game and see what he could do.”
Fellow back Florian Hiess took a handoff for a two-yard score and a 41-10 lead with 11:15 remaining then to compound Australia’s misery, Daniel Aubock returned an interception the short distance of 14 yards for another touchdown.
Austria vs. Australia <b>48:10<br /></b>Date: July 15, 2011<br />Site: Vienna<br />Stadium: Ernst Happel Stadium<br />Attendance: 4000<br /><b>Link:</b> <link 128 - internal-link>Game Statistics</link>]]></content:encoded>
			
			<author>daniel.fettner@afboe.at</author>
			<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jul 2011 22:32:00 +0200</pubDate>
			
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			<title>France shocks host Austria</title>
			<link>http://www.americanfootball2011.com/</link>
			<description>France shocked Austria 24:16 with a second half blitz of special teams, defensive and offensive weapons to steal third place. </description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[The French offense had stalled throughout the first half, and nothing seemed to have changed in the third quarter when Paul Durand dived to make a catch at Austria’s five-yard mark, but was beaten to the ball by Peter Tutsch, whose interception snuffed out another French drive.
It took the special teams of France to step up and shift the momentum. After Austrian quarterback Christoph Gross was frustrated in the pocket, Paul Bresaz-Latille returned the resulting punt all the way back to the five-yard mark and this time quarterback Max Sprauel was able to find Anthony Dable open in the corner of the end zone for a four-yard touchdown and 7-3 lead.
“We started the second half really well and our defense kept us in the game and then the interception was huge for us,” said France head coach Larry Legault of his team’s revival. “There was a stretch of about six minutes when everything worked for us.”
After Austria punted, France silenced the home crowd as MVP Jeremy Rabot raced beyond the secondary and Sprauel dropped a perfect and spectacular 71-yard pass over the middle for the receiver to catch in stride and race away from Markus Krause to score and open an unlikely 14-3 lead.
Austria imploded and a kickoff return was fumbled by Armondo Ponce de Leon forced by Steve Delaval and incredibly Cesar Hebel recovered at the Austria 25-yard mark. France eventually had to settle for an 18-yard Bruno Nekili field goal but psychologically the damage was done and the 14-point lead was looking too great for Austria to overcome.
Thomas Haider came in under center for the hosts but was intercepted by Nuno Dos Santos when forced out of the pocket and trying to force the pass. France was ruthless in reply and Sprauel hit a leaping Rabot in the end zone from 22 yards out for a now convincing 24-3 lead.
Austrian star receiver Jakob Dieplinger added a 28-yard touchdown that illuminated the enthusiastic home crowd, but served only as consolation in the defeat and to add a bitter taste the point after kick was blocked. A tough Haider pass over middle for Andreas Proeller, who did well to hold on as he was hit, was good for a touchdown. But trailing 24-16 Austria could not come up with the onside kick with 3.28 still to play.
Defenses had been on top for much of the first half and Austria went in 3-0 ahead at the break through a 21-yard Peter Kramberger field goal, though he had also hooked an earlier attempt wide left of the uprights.
France might have had an interception returned a short distance for a touchdown, but as Giovanni Nanguy batted down a Gross pass, he was agonizingly unable to hold onto the ball just yards from paydirt. Austria too might have gone into the interval with six on the board, but when Gross went to the end zone with time close to expiring Aurelien Fouregeaud came up with a timely interception.
Austria vs. France&nbsp;<b>16</b><b>:24<br /></b>Date: July 13, 2011<br />Site: Graz<br />Stadium: UPC Arena<br />Attendance: 4500<b></b><br /><b>Link:</b> <link 127 - internal-link>Game Statistics</link>]]></content:encoded>
			
			<author>daniel.fettner@afboe.at</author>
			<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jul 2011 19:30:00 +0200</pubDate>
			
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			<title>Rookies of the year</title>
			<link>http://www.americanfootball2011.com/</link>
			<description>Canada will mark its debut with a Gold Medal Game clash against traditional rival USA after a 31:27 victory against Japan.</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[A classic clash at the UPC Arena in Graz saw the teams match each other drive for drive until virtually the last play of the first half and while Canada led 17-14 at the interval, Japan did not put their noses in front until the third quarter.
“This was an amazing football game and we got the glory today,” said Canada head coach Larry Haylor.
Running back and Canada MVP David Stevens, who rushed for 65 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries, added: “We were lucky to come out with a victory. We’re tired after three games in only a few days, but we have good depth and we’re confident right now.”
Japan missed out on a berth in the Gold Medal Game for the first time since the competition began, having been crowned champions in 1999 and 2003 and lost to USA in the final in 2007.They will now take on Mexico for Bronze in Vienna on Friday.
“I am very proud of my players and they did a good job,” said Japan head coach Kiyoyuki Mori. “But at the same time we are very disappointed not to be in the final.”
Both teams scored on their opening possession. Running back Matt Walter had three attempts to score on the ground repelled as the Japanese defense held. Canada then Canada gambled on fourth down and a two-yard pass from Mike Faulds eventually landed in the hands of a diving Michel-Pierre Pontbriand in the end zone after a deflection and Canada led with 5.38 remaining in the first quarter.
Japan was more economical with the end zone at their mercy and on second and goal Yasuhiro Maruta took a side step to the left and raced in to score from a yard out and tie the game after a successful extra point. Japan tried to catch Canada off-guard with an onside kick but failed to recover. Canada was unable to capitalize on good field position and both teams twice traded punts.
MVP Stevens ran off tackle on a four-yard run to the right side for six more points and a 14-7 lead with 1.22 left to play in the half, but again Japan replied. A Tetsuo Takata pass to Michihiro Ogawa opened up the field and the quarterback then went to Takuya Furutani with a 15-yard toss to again level the scores.
Canada worked the clock well to set up Lirim Hajrullahu for a 32-yard field goal to close the half and lead 17-14 at the interval.
Japan methodically moved downfield to open the second half.&nbsp; A superb diving catch by Ken Shimizu moved the ball to the Canada 26 and Japan then lined up in the wildcat formation and ran a reverse to put the ball back in the hands of Takata and his pass found Furutani at the 11.
Two runs and an incompletion failed to beak down Canadian defenses and Japan settled for a 23-yard Daisuki Aoki field goal to tie the game for the third time at 17-17.
Japan defensive back Koki Kato produced his third interception of the tournament and that led to another Aoki field goal, this time from 29 yards, and Japan’s first lead at 20-17. But Matt Walter responded with a three-yard rushing touchdown as Canada reclaimed the lead 24-20.
Japan was backed up near the end zone, but rallied to drive and score to again move ahead, this time by 27-24. Yasuhiro Maruta found a hole and a first down at the 25 then passes to Nori Kinoshita and Ogawa drove the ball to the Canada 30 with six minutes to play. Kinoshita was pushed out at the two by Troy Adams and from there on first and goal, Tomokazu Sueyoshi punched in for a touchdown.
Canada replied immediately as Faulds was forced out of pocket but hit Stevens on a stunning 72-yard connection and then from their own first and goal at the one, Canada scored what proved to be the winning touchdown as Walter broke the plain with 3.31 remaining.
“I just tried to get open down the sideline and the quarterback did a good job of looking up and seeing me,” explained Stevens. “And I was lucky enough to catch the ball and then instinct just kicked in and I ran hard almost getting to the endzone. But looking at it now it’s probably a good thing I didn’t make it in, because we used more of the clock.”
The Canadian defense held firm as Japan went for glory on fourth down but a pass bounced off the hands of Ogawa, then on the game’s final play, Julien Hamel intercepted to close the victory.
Canada vs. Japan&nbsp;<b>31</b><b>:27<br /></b>Date: July 13, 2011<br />Site: Graz<br />Stadium: UPC Arena<br />Attendance: 2500<br /><b>Link:</b><link 126 - internal-link> Game Statistics</link>]]></content:encoded>
			
			<author>daniel.fettner@afboe.at</author>
			<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jul 2011 15:05:00 +0200</pubDate>
			
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			<title>USA advance to SWC final</title>
			<link>http://www.americanfootball2011.com/</link>
			<description>Reigning World Champion USA is back in the final after an impressive 17:7 win against a tough Mexican team.

</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[The United States and Mexico are neighboring countries that share a passion for many things.
Count football among them.
Playing their third game in five days at the IFAF Senior World Championship, the United States overcame its toughest test of the round-robin schedule, beating Mexico, 17-7, on Tuesday in Innsbruck, Austria, to advance to Saturday’s gold medal game and the chance to defend its title.
The U.S. men finished Group A play with a 3-0 record and will take on the winner of Japan and Canada in the title match. Those two countries play Wednesday in a Group B finale between 2-0 teams. Mexico moves on to the bronze-medal game Friday against the loser of Japan and Canada.
U.S. National Team head coach Mel Tjeerdsma knew coming in the test his team would face. He admitted feeling “nervous for about 48 minutes” as the U.S. was never able to put Mexico away. But in the end, the scoreboard told the story Tjeerdsma wanted to see. “Most of these players didn’t know each other two weeks ago,” Tjeerdsma said. “So the first meeting, we said we had one goal – and that is to win the gold medal. Now we are one step way.”
Defenses dominated early as neither team scored in the first quarter. U.S. cornerback Jeff Frankllin knocked away a would-be Mexican touchdown pass, and a Jorge Valdez interception for Mexico in the back of the end zone ended a U.S. drive.Team USA finally broke through with 10:05 left in the first half as a fumble at the Mexico 27-yard line set up a Gregg Berkshire 46-yard field goal to give the Americans a 3-0 lead.
The Americans made it 10-0 just before halftime as Da’Shawn Thomas scored on a run from 2 yards out. 
Thomas finished with just 16 yards on 10 carries as neither defense gave up yards easily. Mexico’s rushing duo of Jose Conn Reyes and Jonathan Barrerra combined for 16 carries and 46 yards, while the U.S. runners totaled 27 yards on 22 carries. “Their defensive line was outstanding, doing different twists and really giving the offense a hard time of running the ball, and on pass plays they were getting to our quarterback,” Team USA linebacker Osayi Osunde said. “Mexico is athletic and physical. We could not really find a way to run a full drive, so our defense was able to pull the slack and allow as few points as possible.”
Mexico head coach Raul Rivera Sanchez said his team rose to the challenge of a tough, physical U.S. squad. He is not satisfied with playing close, though. His team played to win. “I feel sad because we came here to win this tournament,” Sanchez said. “We faced a good team. We knew it was going to be a tough game.”
Team USA appeared poised to extend its lead in the third quarter but a fumble stalled one drive at the Mexico 10. The Mexicans took advantage as a 65-yard pass from Bruno Daniel Marques to Jose Antonio Alfonso set their team up at the U.S. 19. Five plays later, Reyes took an option pitch from Barrera for a 3-yard touchdown run. “We could never feel comfortable because Mexico can score – and score quickly on big plays,” Tjeerdsma said.
The U.S., though, immediately pushed its lead back out to 17-7 as Thomas capped an eight-play, 68-yard drive with a 2-yard TD run. Team USA QB Cody Hawkins hit Ricardo Leinhart for 13 yards, Richie Brockel for 14 yards and Alex Anderson for 25 yards on the possession. Hawkins finished 21-of-35 for 267 yards. Running back Nate Kmic again led U.S. receivers with six catches for 53 yards. Tight end Mike Peterson added four receptions for 38 yards.
Mexico’s QBs Marques and Rodrigo Perez combined to go 14-of-24 passing for 179 yards. Both were hurried throughout as the U.S. had four sacks, including sacks from Maurice Banks and Charles Bay on Mexico’s final two downs.
Mexico vs. USA <b>7:17<br /></b>Date: July 12, 2011 <br />Site: Innsbruck <br />Stadium: Tivoli<br />Attendance: 5000<br /> <b>Link:</b> <link 121 - internal-link>Game Statistics</link>]]></content:encoded>
			
			
			<pubDate>Tue, 12 Jul 2011 19:00:00 +0200</pubDate>
			
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			<title>Germany gets first win</title>
			<link>http://www.americanfootball2011.com/</link>
			<description>Underdog Australia gave Germany a hard time, but in the end the black red and gold got its first win at the IFAF World Championship. </description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Germany clinched a berth in the playoff game for fifth place, but Australia not only scored their first points of the 2011 IFAF Senior World Championship, but also pushed the European Champions every step of the way in an honorable 30-20 defeat.
Outback quarterback Kiernan Dorney threw three touchdown passes, including two to team MVP Locklan Gilbert as he caught 3 passes for 107 yards.&nbsp; German receiver Niklas Roemer also reeled in two six-pointers and the MVP honors as part of a team-leading 8 catches for 153 yards.
“It was really difficult,” Admitted Roemer afterwards.&nbsp; “Australian players are really good at covering the players.&nbsp; They don’t let themselves be beat deep.&nbsp; It was tough to create space on deep routes, so we tried to take what they gave us. 
“Australia hit us hard. We are fortunate in the end that it worked out for us and we got the win. We finished strong and never gave up even when it was close.”
Germany Sport Director Marshall Happer echoed his receiver’s sentiments, adding: “My hat goes off to the Australian team.&nbsp; Anyone that knows Australian sportsman know that they are people that fight to the bitter end.&nbsp; Certainly we knew that they would never quit and showed that they have a lot of heart. 
“We are happy that we won the game, and I am proud about we did but Australia should be recognized for the hard fought match.
“We were fortunate to get the field goal right before halftime to go up by nine. We knew it wasn’t over, and the Australians were going to come out motivated. And we knew we had to come out and execute and keep playing hard.
“Just execute and play hard that is what we asked of them, and that’s what we did.” Australia head coach John Leijten added: “The way we fought in this game and how close it was is a win for Australia.&nbsp; I am very happy with the outcome of the game. Germany is a strong team. You come in here and play the US first, Mexico second and Germany third. 
“There is no easy game here. We put our resources into this game that we could battle and hang in there.”
Germany signaled its intentions on the game’s opening drive as running back Waldemar Schander broke free on the ground and then Joachim Ullrich twice hit Dominic Hanselmann to move the ball to midfield.&nbsp; 
Dohrendorf and Jerome Morris both made first down yardage then Ullrich stepped up into the pocket to find Pascal Maier and set up first and goal on the two. Morris punched the ball in from two yards out and having exploited an array of offensive weapons, Germany led 7-0 with 7:34 left in the first quarter.
An impressive pass from Dorney found Tyson Garnham for big gain and moved into German territory, but then Schmidt came agonizingly close to making an interception and Mathias Eck sacked Dorney, forcing the Aussies to punt.
Germany were ruthless in reply and Roemer out ran the secondary’s coverage, split the safeties and reeled in a long 50-yard Ullrich pass for a touchdown as he stayed calm under pressure from a four-man rush. 
Australia were far from disheartened and hit straight back as tight end Locklan Gilbert caught what looked to be a short gain on the right sideline, but then fended off a hold and tackles to race free to the end zone and turn it into a 76-yard scoring play and Australia’s first touchdown of the tournament with 11 seconds to play in the first quarter.
When Germany regained possession, Dohrendorf dropped a pass that would have moved the ball to within a yard of the end zone, Morris was dropped for a loss and a third and goal pass also came up short, so Germany settled for a 27-yard yard field goal by Dennis Wiehberg and a 17-7 lead.
Australia’s defense denied Germany a touchdown again as Steve Nzeocha broke up a pass attempt on third down and Germany had to settle for another Wiehberg field goal, this time from 32 yards for a 20-7 advantage.
Australia pulled a stunning play out of the tricks bag and executed a perfect fake punt as Luke Fredericks raced unnoticed down the right sideline as the German special teamers charged downfield before turning to push him out of bounds at the 37-yard mark.&nbsp; 
On the same drive, Australia got out of trouble on third and ten as Dorney avoided a sack and tossed a shovel pass to Matt Croasdaile for a first down, and an offside penalty gained five more yards.&nbsp; A third and short saw Dorney agonizingly overthrow a diving receiver in the end zone and on fourth down Australia opted to go for broke.&nbsp; 
Dorney threaded a stunning 19-yard&nbsp; pass to a diving Fredericks at the back of the end zone for a second Australian touchdown to reduce the deficit to six points.
Australian defensive back Andrew Yeung came up with an interception and would have raced all the way down the right sideline to score but for a saving tackle by Pascal Meier who was injured in the process as he dived full length to trip the defensive back.&nbsp; Australia was unable to capitalize on the turnover and left 28 seconds on the clock, allowing Germany to move efficiently downfield making the most of their timeouts and tag on a 39-yard Wiehberg field goal with only a second remaining.
In the third quarter Australia took over on their own nine-yard mark and produced an impressive scoring drive to move within three points of tying the game.
Dorney hit wideout Lewis Wyten for a first down at the 36 and Croasdaile found a gap for another first at midfield.&nbsp; Lansdell and Garnham made key yards, but then on second and 15, Germany’s Robert Zernicke again burst through the line for a sack and loss of 12 yards.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
On third and 27 a catch by Wyten took the ball to the 24, but still nine yards short of moving the chains.&nbsp; The ever-confident Australia again gambled and Dorney threw a perfect 25-yard connection to Locklan Gilbert for an unexpected touchdown and the quarterback’s third scoring pass of the game.&nbsp; Down by three points, Australia chose to go for a two-point pass, which fell incomplete.
Both defenses held firm, but with the game in the fourth quarter and time against Australia, Germany sealed victory.&nbsp; Jerome Morris took a handoff on third and short picking up a first down, Washington sped past the defense to again move the chains and on a play action pass Ullrich found Niklas Romer over 43 yards for the game-clincher.
Germany vs. Australia <b>30:20<br /></b>Date: July 12, 2011 <br />Site: Innsbruck <br />Stadium: Tivoli<br />Attendance: 1500<br />Link: <link 120 - internal-link>Game Statistics</link>]]></content:encoded>
			
			
			<pubDate>Tue, 12 Jul 2011 20:04:00 +0200</pubDate>
			
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			<title>Canada the team to beat</title>
			<link>http://www.americanfootball2011.com/</link>
			<description>Team Canada beat host Austria in an exciting game 36:14 in front of an enthusiastic crowd at the Grazer UPC Arena.</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Canada mjoined Japan at the top of Group B after a 36-14 win over Austria, but were made to fight for every yard against a determined host nation spurred on by a 4,500-strong crowd at the UPC Arena in Graz.
Canada will face two-time champion and 2007 runner up Japan in Graz on Wednesday and the winner will play for the 2011 IFAF Senior World Championship Gold Medal.
Running back Matt Walters claimed two rushing touchdowns and 74 yards on 9 carries and the MVP award for Canada, while receiver Jakob Dieplinger and running back Mario Nerad delighted the home crowd by breaching the end zone. Canadian quarterback Mike Faulds put in an impressive performance, completing 17 of 24 pass attempts for 233 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Heuter took the Autrian MVO honors, leading the team with 6.5 tackles including one for a loss, while offensively Dieplinger had 87 receiving yards and Florian Grein gained 65 on the ground.
With one safe pair of hands and better tackling, Austria might have gone into the locker room level at halftime and would have been frustrated to reach the break without points on the board.
Austria punted away their opening possession and then helped Canada to reach advantageous field position with a personal foul on the return. Running back David Stevens looked tohave made significant yardage on a rush over left tackle, but fumbled and Christoph Schreiner recovered for the host nation.
Austria was unable to move the chains and in reply, Canada moved 7-0 ahead. Quarterback Mike Faulds dropped a 52-yard bomb beyond the Austrian secondary and having beaten the coverage with his speed, Scott Valberg reeled the ball in for a touchdown.
The Austrian offense showed glimpses of being able to move the ball as Armondo Ponce de Leon picked up a first down and a screen pass to Dieplinger and came up just short of moving the chains, forcing the hosts to punt.
When Austria had the ball again, Grien’s gain was tempered by a sack of Christian Gross for a loss of eight yards by Jake Thomas, and when Ponce de Leon made headway on a crossing route a dead ball personal foul proved costly.
Canada’s rushing attack was stopped on fourth and inches, but Austria was also unable to move the ball in three downs.
The Austrian defense looked to be stifling Canada’s passing attack, but could not prevent Faulds from rushing for first down yardage on third down, even as he fumbled and Alexandre Poirier recovered at the 32.
Running back Matt Walters then rode a tackle by Philip Stojaspal, who failed to wrap him up on a screen pass and weaved his way 32 yards to the end zone, opening a 14-point lead that was rough justice on Austria.
The hosts should have halved the deficit by halftime. Dieplinger made a significant gain down the left sideline with less than a minute remaining and only Shane Hall’s desperate tackle prevented him from racing to the end zone.
With the clock ticking, Gross marginally overthrew Maximilian Herdey on a corner route from 12 yards out and the ball then bounced agonizingly off the hands of Andreas Proeller on a similar play.On third down while under pressure, Gross was intercepted by Joel Lipinski in the end zone to end the Austrian challenge.
Sammy Okpro came up with an interception to end Austria’s opening second half drive as Gross and Proeller’s timing was off and although a 15-yard penalty after the play moved ball back to midfield, Canada pounded down to the five –yard mark on a steady drive.David Stevens bruised his way up the middle, and was stopped only inches from crossing the plain, but then a string of five consecutive penalty flags shared between the two teams moved the ball back and forth.
Faulds eventually went high to the end zone aiming for Shamawd Chambers where a flurry of flags signaled pass interference. After Valberg had been denied a catch in the end zone as Michael Suess legally held him up inches from the plain, Stevens breached the end zone for a 21-0 lead.
After Austria went three and out, holding penalties backed Canada to their own six, but then a late hit on Faulds earned some breathing space and 15 yards. Only a relentless sack of Faulds by Simon Blach after another flurry of yellow flags forced Canada to punt.
Austria finally and deservedly put points on the board when going for broke on fourth and ten. Gross hit has favorite target Deiplinger on a 27-yard connection to delight the home crowd. But Faulds went 20 yards better to stamp out any faint hopes of a home comeback with a 47-yard pass beyond the secondary to Chambers for his first scoring catch of the night making it 28-7.
Austria refused to go down without a fight and Nerad of the hometown Graz Giants found his way behind good blocks to score from a yard out and reduce the deficit to 14 points with 4:18 still to play. &nbsp;But the drive might have cost Austria as starting running back Grein limped out injured.The resulting onside kick flew out of bounds.
Still eager to put the game away, Faulds scrambled for a first down and then Walters took advantage of a series of missed tackles to race through the middle to the five-yard mark and then took the ball to within a yard of the end zone.. The relentless. Austrian defense and a penalty moved Canada backwards but that opened up the field for a misdirection play and Walters jogged in unopposed from six yards out to make it 34-14. A bad snap led to holder Jedd Gardiner running in an unexpected two point conversion for the final score of 36-14.
Canada vs. Austria <b>36:14<br /></b>Date: July 11, 2011 <br />Site: Graz <br />Stadium: UPC Arena<br />Attendance: 6500<br /><b>Link:</b> <link 125 - internal-link>Game Statistics</link><link 120 - internal-link></link>]]></content:encoded>
			
			<author>daniel.fettner@afboe.at</author>
			<pubDate>Mon, 11 Jul 2011 22:41:00 +0200</pubDate>
			
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