Finland’s hopes of winning the European Championship of American Football on the home turf of Vantaa were ended tonight as they were defeated 21-14 in a closely fought match against France.

That meant France topped Group B, having beaten both Great Britain and the hosts, and will thus go on to play the Championship-deciding match on Saturday (August 4) against the team that topped Group A, Austria.

Austria, who had begun their group matches in this International Federation of American Football Championship with a 40-15 win over Denmark, followed up today with a 41-3 rout of Sweden, who had earlier defeated the Danes 30-20.

Finland and Sweden will now contest the bronze medal position, with Great Britain and Denmark disputing fifth place.