The IFAF Women’s World Championships 2022 – When History Was Made In More Ways Than One

It had been five years since the last Women’s Worlds in Langley Canada, however, for most, the expectation was that the old order would still prevail and the USA and Canada would be in the Gold Medal game again…Mmm, not so fast my friends.

In the build up to the tournament, GB Head Coach Chris Stone sat down to crunch the numbers on the other teams. It was soon apparent that there would be a classic 3-2-1 countdown required if the Lions were to secure the ultimate prize of the Gold Medals and the title of World Champions.

Their first game would open the whole event and was scheduled against the number three seeds, Mexico for Saturday July 30th (Gameday One). A win against the South Americans would see an encounter against the second seed Canada, where a further victory would lead to a showdown with the reigning champions and number one seed USA. All the teams had arrived in Vantaa, Finland in good time to finalise their preparations, well, all the teams except for Mexico. They had arrived at the airport in Mexico City to discover that although their flights had been reserved, for whatever reason, they had not been paid for, leaving the team stranded in the departure hall. A combination of inept administration, a shortage of flights and industrial action meant that they would not arrive in time to fulfil the fixture against GB, who were therefore, awarded a walkover win. However, the International Federation working tirelessly to remedy the situation, secured some flights and adjusted the logistics to get the Mexicans to Finland, they finally arrived on the Monday, giving them two days to acclimatise before they would take on Australia as part of Gameday two.

Not having to play gave the GB Lions the opportunity to scout the other teams “live”, a valuable opportunity. It did deprive them however, of the chance to “hit and be hit”, meaning their first game reps would be in a semi-final match. The honour of getting proceedings underway would now fall to Canada and Australia. Let me take you on an exciting journey and I’ll re-cap how all the games panned out.

Gameday One

Canada v Australia

Perennial silver medallists, Canada, were expected to despatch the plucky Australians without too much bother, but things didn’t quite go to plan initially. Although they scored first the “True North” as they like to be called, found themselves on the end of some Aussie trickery. A combination of misdirection and speed saw Australia score a touchdown to keep it close at the end of the first quarter. The Canadians had been stunned into action and with some strong running from Hanna McEwen, by half time they led 20-6, it was an advantage they would never relinquish, adding another thirteen points to run out comfortable winners by a score of 33-6.

Hanna McEwen scored the first touchdown of the Championships – Image Credit Geoff White

Finland v Sweden

This all-European battle was expected to be close, however, it soon became apparent that the Finns had too much for the Swedes to handle. The combination of power back Tytti Kuusinen and elite receiver Emmi Jnrn were doing the damage and by half time it was 21-0 Finland. The second half saw more of the same as Sweden struggled to get any positive yards. The final score ended up at a whopping 49-0. Finland had let everyone know they meant business!

Power-Back Tytti Kuusinen opened her account – Image Credit Geoff White

USA V Germany

This was our first chance to see the reigning champions in action and they didn’t disappoint. Sporting all black uniforms, they wasted no time in putting some points on the board. With dynamic playmaker Brittany Bushman at QB they went to the air early and scored their first touchdown. The Germans ripped off a big kick return, but then Kristen London snagged a pick six to keep the American’s momentum going. At half-time the lead was 35-0. After the break it was one way traffic as the USA continued to dominate and added a further four touchdowns. The American defence stifled the German offence to such an extent that they only gained seventeen total yards in the game. London bagged herself two more interceptions, whilst Germany’s Dora Jung was busy making fifteen tackles. The final score was 63-0. It hadn’t been much of a test for the USA but their next contest against Finland would be a whole different story!

Brittany Bushman was the game MVP – Image Credit Dana Sparling

Gameday 2

Mexico v Australia

The Mexicans were finally able to take to the field and they made their entrance with style, executing a double-reverse flea-flicker! It started a drive that culminated in a touchdown, Australia managed to block the PAT attempt, leaving the Mexicans with a 6-0 lead. Australian quarterback Isabella Paholek looked to get her team back on terms but was picked off by Griscel Mondragon. Back in possession the Mexicans put together another impressive drive. Quarterback Maria Cruz found Karla Granados for the score and with a successful two-point PAT the Mexicans had stretched their lead by the end of the first quarter to 14-0. The Australians started to get their ground game moving with Casey Byrne leading the charge, however they couldn’t muster any points and a further touchdown from the impressive Ana Barbosa saw the Mexicans reach half-time with a 20-0 lead. At the start of the second half the Aussie ground attack finally got their reward when Byrne bulled her way in aided by some strong blocking up front. They were unable to convert the score, so it sat at 20-6 Mexico. It didn’t change the overall momentum of the game as running back Andrea Romero went in from three yards out, a successful two-point PAT then stretched the advantage to 28-6. In the final quarter Cruz found Barbosa again to edge it to 34-6 and that’s how it ended.

Team Mexico made a spectacular entrance, nice uniforms! – Image Credit Geoff White

USA v Finland – Semi Final One

This game showed just what a tough team Finland are to beat and for a while it looked like the unthinkable could happen and the USA would suffer their first ever loss. After an impressive opening drive the Finns were in the redzone, but after their quarterback, Emilia Raty was sacked by Shanice Cole, they had to settle for a field goal, which was expertly delivered by Laura Pulkkinen. Finland had the lead, but not for long. The Americans put together an impressive drive of their own which ended with running back D’Ajah Scott scampering in for the score. Alania Lange converted, and it was now 7-3 USA. The second quarter was proving to be a defensive struggle, until the impressive Tytti Kuusinen ripped off a number of runs, the last of which found her in the endzone! Pulkkinen was good with the extra point and at the half, incredibly the Americans were behind 10-7, not a situation they had experienced before. They needed to make some adjustments and under the leadership of Head Coach Callie Brownson, that’s just what they did. A mis-handled punt by Finland gave the USA possession in a strong field position. Two plays later Scott was in the endzone again, Lange did the honours edging the Americans to a four-point lead. Scott was now seeing a lot of the ball and completed her hat-trick on a four-yard scoring run. The reliable Lange stepped up and the lead was now 21-10. Despite the Finns resolute defensive efforts, the momentum was all with the USA who added one more score from running back Adriana Gutierrez, along with another conversion from Lange. The final score was 28-10 USA, who progressed to the Gold Medal game. It hadn’t been easy for them though and Finland had shown that they were a match for anyone.

D’Ajah Scott found the endzone for three scores – Image Credit Geoff White

Germany v Sweden

Both teams were anxious to recover from their opening game losses, but neither had the firepower to dominate on offense. In a turn-over ridden game both defences had the upper hand. Initially Sweden had some success running the ball with Elin Luuk gaining yards and Linda Widberg scrambling well from her quarterback position, however, when they went to the air they struggled, being intercepted three times in the first half. Germany were unable to capitalise on their additional possession though, as the Swedish defence held strong. The end result was a scoreless first half. The third quarter finally saw the deadlock being broken by the Germans, with quarterback Silvana Friese connecting with receiver Ellen Riess on a thirty-yard completion for the score, they weren’t able to convert it though, but had taken a lead that they would not surrender. Sweden re-doubled their efforts with the ground game and found themselves inside the German twenty on the back of Luuk’s powerful running, ultimately though it came to nothing even after they had intercepted a wayward German pass. Final score 6-0 to Germany.

Sweden were looking for inspiration – Image Credit Geoff White

Canada v GB – Semi Final Two

For their first game in the tournament Great Britain would take to the field as the underdogs against the number two seeded Canadians but would leave it, having re-shaped the women’s tackle football landscape.

The Lions had possession first and tested the Canadian defence giving elite running back Ruth Matta the ball. Canada had clearly done their homework and were keying on Matta, limiting her chances to make substantial gains. GB quarterback Sydney Green looked to utilise her other offensive weapons and threading the ball through three defenders, she found receiver Jessica Anderson. The drive stalled though, and GB were forced to punt (Green also handled the punting duties). Canadian quarterback Maude Lacasse handed off to featured running back Hanna McEwen who was making good yards until she was met by a defensive torpedo called Phoebe Schecter! Canada were also forced to punt. With the defences dominating the Brits had to punt again, however the snap sailed over Green’s head, being recovered on the one-yard line. Canada were now in a strong position and opened the scoring with McEwen sweeping left for the score. The PAT from Kirstie Eliott was good, 7-0 to the team in red. The ensuing kick-off went deep and was caught by Matta, who fooled the Canadians with a fake hand off to Siobhan Walker and raced for eighty-five yards down the side-line. Looking to capitalise Green handed the ball to full-back Antoinette Morgan, who powered up the middle, was gang tackled and had her forward progress stopped, however the officials didn’t whistle the play dead and the Canadians snatched the ball. A turnover was awarded. The teams exchanged possessions with Green being intercepted by an eager Canadian defence. As the first quarter ended Canada still held the one score lead. Green was picked off again at the start of the second quarter, but Lacasse returned the favour and more! as Lucy Peaty undercut the receiver, snagged the ball and set off on a Maisy run to the house! the PAT kick was unsuccessful though, leaving Canada with a narrow 7-6 lead.

Lucy Peaty returns her pick for a six! – Image Credit Geoff White

Into the second quarter and both defences were winning their respective battles. Schecter was all over the field making several bone jarring hits and also secured a crucial interception, whilst the GB defensive line were a constant thorn in Lacasse’s side. With half time fast approaching a fumble recovery by Libby Davoren gave the ball back to Green and the offence. Siobhan Walker was racking up the yards with a series of runs and catches but the ball went back to Canada. This time a combined sack by Harley-May Lynch and Delta Npuna had the Canadians struggling to the point where they were unable to get a punt off and the Lions took over inside the ten. With three seconds left in the half GB Head Coach Chris Stone called a time-out to deliver the play call to the offence. The formation had three receivers to the right, so it looked like a pass, but no, the receivers were there to block for Green who swept around and sneaked in just inside the pylon, TD! Samantha Read slotted the kick and the Lions went in at half-time leading 13-7.

Sydney Green ran smartly behind her blockers to score – Image Credit Geoff White

A more determined Canada came out for the second half and quickly drove down the field, running back Kasey McCombs ripping off a forty-nine-yard gain. Now inside the GB five, Lacasse handed off to Sarah Wright who barged her way in for a touchdown. They couldn’t convert though, and the game was now on a knife edge at thirteen all. Neither team were able to sustain possession until, with just over three minutes remaining in the game GB put together a nine-play sequence keyed by a spectacular drive sustaining catch by Oli Davies. It was now third and goal at the Canadian three-yard line. With seconds left on the clock Green dropped back, looked off the defenders to the left and then with ice in her veins floated a pass to the right corner of the endzone, time seemed to stand still as the extended hands of Walker pulled in the ball for the go-ahead score! Read was good with the conversion, so with two seconds left in the game it was now 20-13 GB. Canada received the kick off, but fittingly given her dominant MVP winning performance Schecter stopped the returner in her tracks and the game was over. It had been a total team effort with all the positional units putting in a “shift.” The Lions side-line erupted as what the team had just achieved started to sink in. Amongst the GB fans in the stands there was a large banner held aloft during the game bearing the word “BELIEVE”, clearly they had.

Siobhan Walker makes “The Catch” – Image Credit Geoff White

History had been made, for the first time in a Women’s World Championship the final would not be between the two North American powerhouses. This time Great Britain would take on the USA.

Gameday 3

The final day of competition dawned with all the teams looking to end their tournaments with a win. Some would garner ranking points, whilst others would be securing medals too.

Australia v Sweden

This one was expected to be a “close run thing” between two sides that had struggled to put up points. Sweden had opportunities to get ahead in the first quarter after Australia’s execution let them down, but they were unable to press home their advantage. As the game progressed the best chances for both teams continued to come off of the back of errors by the other side. In the dying seconds of the first half Sweden looked to break the deadlock with a field goal, but Selma Linden’s thirty-six-yard attempt didn’t make it through the posts. Half time had it all square 0-0. The pattern of the game didn’t change much in the third quarter, with the teams regularly punting the ball back to each other. Australian receiver Riley Hodgson looked dangerous on a well-executed sweep play, but the drive fizzled out. However, her team-mate Casey Byrne was inspired to produce a bit of individual magic herself and having ran through a would-be tackler, she continued a pace for a seventy-five-yard touchdown run! The PAT was delivered by Marissa Hay, 7-0 to the Aussies. Sweden had ten minutes left to get on terms, but an energized Australian defence held them out. It was a first international victory for the Green and Gold and the celebrations on the side-line reflected that!

The powerful Casey Byrne gave Australia cause for celebration! – Image Credit Geoff White

Mexico v Germany

The Mexicans felt they had a point to prove and put together an impressive early drive with running back Andrea Romero eating up the yards. It concluded with their opening score in the game, a pass from Paulina Diaz to Marlene Gutierrez. They elected to go for a two-point conversion, with Diaz finding the reliable Barbosa, 8-0 Mexico. Despite the Mexicans looking likely to increase their advantage, the German Defence stiffened and at the half the score remained 8-0. With the second half underway Mexico pressed home their possession advantage and converted it into more points. Romero evaded would be tacklers and raced thirty-seven yards for the touchdown. Karla Granados then ran in a two-pointer making it 16-0 Mexico. The second half proved to be more of a defensive showpiece with German linebacker Susanne Erdmann registering an impressive three sacks in a row on one Mexican drive, forcing a punt. Unfortunately for the Germans, they muffed the return giving the ball straight back. Cruz thanked them for their generosity by finding Thania Garcia for another score. This time they couldn’t convert the touchdown, making the score-line 22-0. Sensing time was running out and wanting to give their depth players some reps, Mexico introduced Tania Guzman at quarterback, she successfully engineered another scoring drive, finding Diana Cardenas from eleven yards out. The PAT attempt failed, meaning the final score was Mexico 28- Germany 0.

Susanne Erdmann was outstanding for Germany – Image Credit Geoff White

Finland v Canada - The Bronze Medal Game

The Canadians were smarting having missed out on a place in the final, Finland were energized having pushed the USA close, the ingredients for an epic encounter were all in place, and that’s exactly what we got!

The Finns had the best of the possession early on, an interception by Oona Tuomi giving them the momentum to start a lengthy drive which took them to the Canadian’s seven-yard line. It was fourth down and Pulkkinen eyed up the posts to attempt the field goal, but the snap flew over her head and the opportunity to take the lead disappeared with it. With LaCasse at the helm the Canadians engineered the opening score of the game. Receptions by Chevrier and Rossel had them at the one-yard line, giving Sarah Wright the chance to dart in and score. Kristie Eliott was good with the PAT, 7-0 Canada. They were able to increase their lead when having intercepted Emilia Raty, they took over just inside the Finns half. LaCasse found Rossel for two more receptions, setting up Eliott to hit a field goal to edge their lead to 10-0. Finland Head Coach Peka Eloranta then chose to play to his teams strengths, feeding the ball to Kuusinen who got the ball in range for Pulkkinen to split the posts, making the half-time score 10-3 Canada.

Having put some points on the board to make it a one score game, Finland came out in the second half with their ground game guns blazing! The artillery came in the form of Kuusinen, carrying numerous times behind some impressive blocking, the rampant Finns were closing in for a score. Keeping the Canadian defence honest, Raty found Essi Soderholm with a short pass to take them to the one-yard line. With everyone expecting Kuusinen to get the carry, Raty sneaked over for the score! Pulkkinen slotted the PAT and it was everything to play for at 10-10. Sensing they were in with a chance of taking the Bronze medals, the Finns continued to apply the pressure. Linebacker Essi Saastamoinen was all over the Canadian backfield shedding blocks and making tackles and to show they were not one dimensional at the running back position, Mari Jaaskela broke off a thirty-five-yard run. Kuusinen added another twelve and they were back at the Canadian one. It worked before, so they did it again, Raty took the snap and dove in for the touchdown. This time Pulkkinen wasn’t able to deliver the extra point, so the scoreboard showed Finland with a 16-10 lead.

Canada knew they were running out of time and needed to eat up some yards quickly. They went to the air and with the clock ticking LaCasse found Ricki Obed for the tying score, with Eliott kicking the PAT they now held a one-point lead 17-16. With just over five minutes left to play, could they hold on? Finland were not about to give up, and with the home fans cheering them on they set about re-gaining the lead. Jaaskela was eating up the yards and the clock, but with just over a minute left the drive stalled, leaving the result resting on the boot of Finland’s kicker, the reliable Pulkkinen. The snap and hold were good, the connection was true, and the ball flew through the uprights! 19-17 to Finland. The crowd noise was cranked up to the max as Canada took possession one last time, but with less than a minute remaining in the game they were unable to reply, making the Finns the deserved winners of the Bronze medals. You got the feeling the celebrations would last well into the night!

Essi Saastamoinen certainly was a Most Valuable Player – Image Credit Geoff White

Great Britain v USA – The Gold Medal Game

After nine days of intense competition, it was time for match twelve on the schedule. Forty-eight minutes of game time would decide who would take the gold and who would have the silver medals in their luggage for the journey home.

Brittany Bushman and Sydney Green both had multiple weapons available on their offences, Kristen London and Phoebe Schecter had been picking of passes for fun and coaches Brownson and Stone both felt they had the right game-plan in place to get the win. The crowd, swelled by all the other competing teams looked on in anticipation.

It would be the Brits who put the first points on the board when Green’s pinpoint pass found shifty Siobhan Walker down the right side-line. Having secured the ball in traffic, Walker put the moves on three would be tacklers before racing to the endzone! The sixty-nine-yard pass play was converted by Read, 7-0 and game on! The Americans knew they needed to respond quickly and utilised their stable of quality running backs to control the ball and move the chains. Scott and Guitierrez were good for first downs before Bushman went to tight end Krishna Lee who was stopped at the GB five. Ultimately a quarterback keeper was the route to success, with Bushman finding her way in for the touchdown. Alania Lange hadn’t missed a kick all week and duly obliged to level the score, 7-7. After the initial shock of going behind, the score seemed to restore the Americans confidence. On their next drive they got the job done, predominantly through the air. Completions to Baker, Floor and Bonds had them once again at the British five-yard line. Bushman spotted Gutierrez in the endzone and found her for the go-ahead score. Lange did what Lange does, and it was now 14-7 USA. The battling Brits weren’t about to give up though. Defensive Co-ordinator Wayne Hill set the Lions defensive scheme to “maximum disruption”. Edwards and Moody were coming off the edge like beserkers, whilst Schecter, Trim, Symonds, Mullen, Peaty and Lynch imposed a “no-fly zone.”

The Delta Force was unblockable! – Image Credit Dana Sparling

With four minutes left in the half, the Brits set about crafting a scoring drive of their own. Coach Stone knew that when it “Matta’d” he could go to Ruth. Green shared the ball around, but the key plays on the sixty-yard drive came from Matta, who, with the impressive Lions offensive line clearing the way, capped the drive off with a five-yard dash for the score. Read secured the PAT, meaning at the half it was tied at fourteen, with everything to play for.

Sydney Green hands off to a determined Ruth Matta – Image Credit Dana Sparling

As the teams re-entered the field, you got the feeling that whoever scored next would have the momentum to go on and claim the title. Despite the efforts of the GB defence, with tackling heroics from linebackers, Bo Steward, Summer Rivers and Christina Ibironke, it would be the Americans who got on top early. In a devastatingly effective period Bushman threw three more touchdown passes, Pascual, Jackson and Scott had the hands to secure the points and Lange had the foot to convert them all. It was now 35-14 and the game was effectively beyond the Lions. The Americans chose to dip deep into their playbook giving running back Chante Bonds the chance to find Maria Jackson with a pass on a sweep play. It would be the final touchdown of the game and the tournament. Lange then put the extra point cherry on the cake making the final score 44-14 USA.

Coach Brownson had asked her players to attain a “Gold Standard” and ultimately, they did, as once again they secured the winners medals. However, it had been far from the walk in the park that some had predicted. Being behind at half time to Finland, and then tied with GB after two quarters weren’t positions they had expected themselves to be in. With Canada being unable to secure a medal of any colour, it’s clear that there has been a seismic shift in the power base of Women’s Football. Two of the top three teams in the world are now Europeans (you might want to read that again and let it sink in).

In the afterglow of the tournament, I reached out to some members of the British camp to get their reactions. First up is quarterback Sydney Green.

“For me, this tournament is only the beginning of where team GB could go and that's so exciting. Vets who played for nine years were stood beside those who had played for only one. It was fantastic to witness players having their breakout moments. The world deserves to know their names! With Coach Stone and Coach Hill co-ordinating they both made it very clear from the beginning what direction they wanted this programme to go - what the expectations were, and every player respected them for it. To say that I'm overwhelmed with the support we have received wouldn't quite cover it. So, thank you to everyone who messaged or posted to raise the awareness of the Women's World Championship. The team stepped up to every challenge we experienced while we were in Finland, and the goal was always the same. To make History. Being ranked number two in the world now puts the target on our back heading to Euros. But it's nice to feel like team GB has finally been able to reach some of it's potential after falling short previously at World's 2017. The challenge now is to keep growing, bring in more talent and push the sport one step further so that we can get Gold”.

Phoebe Schecter was elated at what the team had achieved.

“What an absolute feat by our GB Women’s Team! To be seeded 6th and play the number one seed in the final, the first time it hasn’t been Canada in years, was amazing. Then to top it off, that we were tied 14-14 at half time, it’s incredible. This has elevated our platform and the need for us to be playing 11 a side football in the U.K. It also showcases how much talent there is in the U.K. and the sky is the limit”!

Phoebe Schecter tallied nineteen solo tackles and an interception – Image Credit Dana Sparling

Head Coach Stone was justifiably proud of his programme.

“Reflecting back on the tournament it's a remarkable achievement. At the same time, it was always my expectation. The players were absolutely committed to the goal and my coaching staff elevated their level to make history. The way the players prepared and performed should be applauded by the entirety of the Britball community. I'm incredibly excited about what's next as we're just getting started”!

The Lions celebrate their achievements! – Image Credit Jari Turenen

I chatted with Finland’s Head Coach Mika Eloranta, who spoke of a goal achieved and a decision that it was time for him and his wife (the team manager) to move on.

“Our goal was to get a medal and we fulfilled our goal. Team Finland played better than ever. Beating Sweden clearly, and the game against team USA - leading on the halftime and lowest margin ever against team USA by any team 28-10 and finally the thriller against team Canada. Behind at the half time, taking the lead, Canada ahead and then our winning field goal in the last minute. Super proud of team Finland, so united as a team, great team spirit fighting to the end. Best run defence and best run offence in the tournament. We had 19 first time players in an international tournament and what a performance - wow! My wife and I are now stepping a-side from team Finland. My wife Petra has been Team Manager since 2010 and I have been in the coaching staff since 2014 so time to move on. Team Finland is in great shape. It's a very young team with great players and they have a bright future. Team Finland has a friendly game against team Sweden in October and then will look to the European championships I think in 2024?”

Whistle to whistle it had been nine days of great Football, with everything you would want from a World Championship Tournament. There were nail biting finishes, blow-out wins, pin-point passes, spectacular catches, eye-catching runs, big hits, crazy celebrations and outrageous field fashion! The new world order had been established, and it looks like this. 1-USA, 2-GB, 3-Finland, 4-Canada, 5-Mexico, 6-Germany, 7-Australia, 8-Sweden.

For me, the Finnish organising committee deserve a lot of plaudits for delivering an excellent tournament and their players certainly did themselves proud taking the Bronze medals. Credit too for the British match officials who represented us In Vantaa. Davie Parsons in a co-ordinating role and Susannah Taylor, Alisha Darkins and Stuart Young as part of the match crews.

In a summer of success for British Women’s sport these World Championships were the absolute highlight for me. If you asked me to give you my favourite three memories from the competition, then I’d have to say…

Phoebe Schecter’s Torpedo Takedown Tackles, the Green to Walker Game Winning, History Making Touchdown pass and those Fabulous Team Mexico Uniforms!