Austrian teams have once again underlined their leading position in European American Football. Subsequent to the early elimination of their German opponents Berlin, Stuttgart, Braunschweig, Hamburg etc. Austrian teams managed to reach the final games in the European Football League (EFL) and the EFAF-tournament as well – destroying the “fairy tale” of German GFL being the top European National League.
The Vienna Vikings defeated the Stockholm Mean Machines 42-9 in EFL Semi-final and will meet „La Courneuve Flash“ from Paris who advanced to the finals after beating the Swarco Raiders from Tirol/Austria. However, the highlight-event of 2006 EFL season so far was the game between Eurobowl champions Vienna Vikings and the Devils from Hamburg ahead of 7500 enthusiastic spectators at Vikings Hohe (“Holy”) Warte stadium. Generated by more than a decade of well structured brand development, American Football has become an extremely relevant event where VIPs are struggling to get access to the limited space in the Vikings` excellently organized VIP lounge (price appr. 150 Euro). “Ordinary fans” are aware that they should be seated one and a half hour before kick off in order to get a proper position to watch the game in one of the most beautiful European football stadiums, and to enjoy the well organized Vikings game-day which is supported by an approximately one hundred people strong and well co-ordinated game-day staff.
The team of Graz Giants – with a 25 year history is one of the most experienced teams in Europe – this year has surprised many observers. In 2005 season not even present in European tournaments, Giants eliminated multiple German Bowl winner Berlin, as well as EFAF-cup winner in 2005 Marburg Mercenaries and Zurich Renegades later in the semi-final. Backbone of Giants success has been former Philadelphia Eagles Linebacker Darwin Lewis, as well as Washington State safety Jeremy Bohannon, but also a large number of excellent domestic players.
Upcoming final games will be Vikings vs La Courneuve Flash in either Vienna or Paris on weekend of July 21st/22nd (EFL) and Graz Giants vs. Eidvoll (Nor) in Graz on July 8th (EFAF-Cup).
According to the odds – Austrian teams will have to bear the burden of being favourites in both games.
“I am very impressed by the success of Austrian Football on the international scene, the bright example of Vienna is showing that – based on hard work, good promotion, a lot of heart and strong entrepreneurial commitment – Football can be turned into commercial success. Of course I am especially proud of the performance of my former team Graz Giants who are celebrating their 25th anniversary with an excellent season”, said Gabriel Dielacher – co-owner of a Vienna based investment house involved in the development of key South-east European industry and media assets – and since spring 2006 supporting ”Beograd Vukovi” and also helping SELAF.
“Based on what I have seen so far, I can conclude that football in the region of South-Eastern Europe has – within a short period of time – developed a very strong base, surprises with impressive attendance figures and does have a fair chance to catch up with top-European level within a reasonable period of time. I am convinced that one or the other team from this region will one day play a significant role in future European tournaments.”