Swedish defense posts a second shutout against Spain, while France edges past Russia
Sweden followed up an opening game 27-point shutout of Russia with a convincing 40-0 victory over host Spain on third day of European Junior Championship action.
Reigning champion France just edged past Russia with a 7-6 win and will now face Sweden on Wednesday, July 16 (6pm) with a place in the championship game against the Group B winners at stake.
The Swedes remain at the top of Group A, but were made to work hard in the first half by a determined Spanish team. The hosts were only down by a converted 13-yard pass from Anders Hermodsson to Simon Almgren pass as halftime loomed, but went in 13-0 behind. Sweden scored on the final play of the second quarter, this time on a 42-yard Hampus Hellermark reception from Hermodsson.
Sweden dominated after the break, scoring a further 27 unanswered points as Alexander Koyfis and Hellermark each scored two rushing touchdowns and Filip Persson tagged on three extra points.
France had scored 45 points in its group opener, but struggled against a Russian team looking for its first points of the tournament, which almost came on the game’s first drive, but a missed field goal kept them waiting.
Trailing 7-6 with eight minutes remaining, Russia controlled possession for a lengthy period of time, but were unable to produce the winning score.
Group B action resumes on Tuesday when Finland (0-1) takes on Austria (1-0) at 10.30am, before Denmark (0-1) faces Germany (1-0) at 6pm. Both games will be played at the San Pablo Sports Center in Sevilla.
