After a hard fought game with several key players from both teams making plays to keep the game close to the very end, the two MVPs of the game ended up being Emil Selschou Neumann-Pedersen, RB from team Denmark and Mikko Behm, DB from team Finland.
Emil Selschou Neumann-Pedersen – Denmark
Starting RB for Team Denmark, Emil Selschou Neumann-Pedersen, showed his importance for the Danish offense early and often. Already on the second drive the Danish, the 19 year-old runningback turned the right corner for a 65 yard gain to the Finnish 3 yard line. A gain leading the Danes to their first score. Several times during the game, the patient back showed his ability to carry the team on his back, averaging 6.9 yards per carry.
The Danish back ran for 164 of his total of 166 yards in the first half and did not see extended playing time during the second half. A decision probably made to keep the Danish playmaker fresh for the game against Sweden on Friday.
Danish MVP: Emil Selschou Neumann-Pedersen
Club: Søllerød Gold Diggers
Size: 181 cm, 73 kg
Position: RB
Game stats: 24 carries, 166 yards 1 TD
Mikko Behm – Finland
The Finnish defensive back Mikko Behm played a key role in keeping the Finnish close to Denmark all through the game with game changing plays on both the defensive side of the ball and on special teams. Twice the young Finnish player picked off Mads Hagen Jakobsen. The first interception came during the 1st quarter of play and happened at a crucial point right after a 50 yard run by the Danish team.
In the middle of the 4th quarter, Mikko Behm came away with the second interception of the night for the Finnish Lions. Behm undercut a crossing route and made the diving catch on the ball keeping his team in the game.
To end his impressive game he was also the player to come up with the ball after the second successful onside kick of the night.
Finnish MVP: Mikko Behm
Club: Pori Bears
Size: 187 cm, 90 kg
Position: DB
Game stats: 2 tackles, 2 INTs, onside recovery
Team stats and player stats can be found here.
Photographer: Chris Palmgren
