“Completely detached” it echoed through the Grotenburg Stadium in <a href="https://www.archysport.com/2022/01/an-important-goal-for-kuld-in-germany-punnenov-loses-his-ninth-game-in-a-row-in-switzerland/" title="An important goal for Kuld in Germany; Punnenov loses his ninth game in a row in Switzerland”>Krefeld, which was filled with around 3,000 fans, while around half of Germany’s team was gathered in bliss around one man: Sven Breidenbach. Because the offensive lineman, whose main job is not scoring touchdowns, had just done that – and thus provided the highlight of Saturday evening in the third quarter of the 42:6 win against Sweden.
At this point it was already 28:0 for the German team, who had also found their way offensively. This wasn’t the case at the start of the game; the drives initially ended without points. The defense got into the end zone for the first time when Rhine Fire linebacker Marius Kensy was able to secure the ball for a touchdown after a blocked punt.
Defense blocks two punts and a field goal
The next points were also served by the defense: Another punt was blocked right in front of the Swedish end zone, and running back Heiko Bals took care of the remaining two yards. It was only immediately before the break that Germany’s attack managed a somewhat fluid drive, which quarterback Lars Heidrich completed with a nice arc towards Nico Strahmann, who was able to catch the ball in the end zone. At halftime it was 21-0 because the defense was able to block a field goal attempt by the Swedes.
After the restart, Germany increased and Heidrich Strahmann found him in the end zone again. And then Breidenbach’s big moment came: Heidrich made a short pass to wide receiver Louis Geyer, who had turned around and then threw the ball directly into the arms of the rushing Breidenbach. The offensive lineman ran past the stunned Swedes defensive back into the end zone. This move is called “Hook and Ladder” and it was executed to perfection here.
In the final quarter, Germany defensive back Luis Bach, who had already caught an interception earlier in the game, scored the touchdown to make it 42-0 when he was able to return a Swedish fumble into the end zone. Shortly before the end, after several impressive passes, the guests also scored a touchdown for the final score.
Germany is now in the semi-finals of the European Championship, which will not be held until 2025. Finland and Italy are also there. The fourth participant will be determined on Sunday and is expected to be defending champion Austria. If this is the case, Germany will face their neighboring country and play for a place in the final.
