Action continued at the tournament in Finland ©IFAF

France will meet hosts Finland in a deciding qualifying match on Thursday (August 2) after hammering Great Britain 42-9 in their opening game of the European Championship of American Football at Vantaa.

Since this event, now organised by the International Federation of American Football Europe, began in 1983, Finland have won it five times - the last occasion being in 2000.

But having beaten Britain 28-7 in their opening match they will face a battle for the top spot in Division A given the way the French performed today.

France were 14-0 up before Britain made it 14-3 with a field goal, and by half-time they had a healthy 28-6 lead.

Stephen Yepmo and Jason Aguemon played key parts as the French continued to lengthen their lead after the break, moving to 42-9 with just over four minutes remaining - and that was how it stayed.

Earlier Denmark, beaten by Austria in their opening Division B match, suffered a second defeat, going down 30-20 to Sweden, who now stand second to Austria on goal difference.

The two top sides in Division B will also meet on Thursday to determine the line up for the final day of matches on Friday.