World Footy News

Last Friday saw Denmark and Sweden, traditional rivals in just about every sport ever invented, clash for what would effectively be the right to call themselves reigning champion of Scandinavian footy. After finishing third in their respective pools, Sweden and Denmark had both been defeated in their first-round finals matches, leaving them to play off for 11th spot overall and a lot of pride was on the line for both sides.

The Danes have had the edge over the Elks in most tests between the two nations, and went into this match as favourites. Even so, the difference on the day was far greater than the onlookers had anticipated, with the Vikings cruising to a 101-point victory.

The first quarter started with the promise of an even contest, with the Swedes having some early chances at goal. It was however to be Jens Djernes, one of Denmark's two World Team representatives, who slotted through the first goal of the match. The Vikings were moving the ball very well, using plenty of lateral passes to string possessions together into attack. At the first change, the Vikings lead 3.6 (24) to Sweden 0.1 (1).

The second quarter saw the Danes again come out firing, Mikkel Højgaard taking a great run and shot on goal, but only for a point. The tensions were starting to show, as Sweden's Emil Åberg was sent off for rough play. Joachim Secher manoeuvred for a mark and goal, and his brother Nicolai started to look very dangerous up front, goaling on the run from a long way out. Christian Rose was making plenty of play for the Vikings, while on the Swedish side, Kalle Nilsson and Patrik Stongnings were working hard to get the Elks back into the game.

Eliud Schmid crumbed the ball off the pack and almost put through another Viking goal, but put the ball into the post from close quarters. The Danes made a few other mistakes, including when Cederholm passed to Nicolai Secher who nonchalantly jogged in and kicked a point (even former SANFL and VFL champion Malcolm Blight was guilty of that once), but still managed to hold a 5.9 (39) to 0.1 (1) lead at the main break.

In the Swedish huddle, Elks' coach Cameron Crooks encouraged his charges to keep their heads up, noting that the Danes were beating them to the ball, meaning they were also winning more frees. He also told the Elks to play closer to their direct opponents, as the Vikings were finding too many loose options.

Big Mats Wurmbach won the tap for Sweden to start the third term, but it was straight to Denmark's Icelandic import captain Pall Finnsson, who was a leading possession getter all day in the centre. After a tight contest, Danish ruckman Nils Schønemann kicked a long goal. Åberg and stalwart Andreas Svensson took a few marks in the midfield for Sweden, but the Elks were unable to find targets across half forward. Denmark again squandered a few chances, with Chris Campion and Eliud Schmidt kicking behinds from set shots at goal. Schmidt soon made amends, soccering through a goal when the ball fell free from the pack. Rasmus Jacobsen kicked a left foot goal on the run which put the Vikings further in front. Sweden launched an attack late, but it only resulted in a behind, the three quarter time score Denmark 8.16 (64) to Sweden 0.2 (2).

The fourth quarter was the highest-scoring of the match, with another six goals five to the Danes. The first major score came as the Swedes kicked out after a point, Chris Campion marking one-handed then playing on to slot through a goal. Nicolai Secher continued very strong, as did Schmidt and captain Finnsson, who kicked a long goal on the run from outside the scoring arc. The final scoreline - Denmark 14.19 (103) to Sweden 0.2 (2).

After a lot of footy played in a short period of time, the Vikings looked to have a lot more energy left for the last match and certainly can play some good footy against side that don't pressure them enough. The Elks were certainly running on empty and will definitely be keen to challenge Denmark next time they meet in their Tri-Nations series, and can also be guaranteed to hit the EU Cup in Prague with a solid effort. All in all, the Elks can take away the knowledge that they were the best of the five debutante nations on display this year and will be a team to watch for the future.

Final Scores:

Denmark		Sweden
3.6 (24)	1/4	0.1 (1)
5.9 (39)	1/2	0.1 (1)
8.16 (64)	3/4	0.2 (2)
14.19 (103)	Full	0.2 (2)

Denmark
Goals: Djernes 3, N. Secher 3, Schmidt 2, J. Secher, Finnsson, Jacobsen, Campion, Damborg, Schønemann
Best: Rose, Damborg, Højgaard, Schmidt, Ottessen, N. Secher

Sweden
Best: K. Nilsson, T. Persson, Stongnings, Hagberg, J. Språng, Svensson