Group A Preview and Predictions: 2024 IFAF Flag Football World Championship in Lahti, Finland
The 2024 IFAF Flag Football World Championship is set to be the most significant event in the sport's history, with over 25 countries participating in Lahti, Finland. This tournament not only marks a historic moment for flag football but also highlights its growing popularity worldwide, especially after the recent announcement that it will debut in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. As we dive into Group A, let's preview the teams and make some predictions.
USA (World Ranking: 1st Place)
It's no surprise that Team USA is entering the championship as the top contender. The American squad, often considered a "hall of fame" team in flag football, boasts an impressive roster. Leading the charge is Darrell “Housh” Doucette, a versatile QB/C, and his favourite target, Bruce Mapp, a WR/DB known for his playmaking abilities. The team also features standout athletes like Laval Davis, a WR/RSH with a knack for big plays, and Laderrick "Pablo" Smith, a dynamic WR/QB with exceptional speed and agility.
Team USA's dominance in the sport is well-documented, having won the previous World Championship against Mexico. With a revamped roster that could arguably be the best the nation has ever assembled, they are the favourites to clinch the gold once again.
Whole roster:
Michael Better; RSH/C; Baltimore, Md.
Aamir Brown; ATH; Philadelphia, Pa.
Velton Brown Jr.; WR/DB; Orlando, Fla.
Isaiah Calhoun; DB/WR; Riverside, Calif.
Mike Daniels; DB/WR; Miami Fla.
Laval Davis; WR/RSH; Jacksonville, Fla.
Darrell “Housh” Doucette; QB/C; New Orleans, La.
Johnluis "LuLu" Hernandez; DB/C; Miami, Fla.
Ja’Deion High; WR; Hereford, Texas
Jamie Kennedy; DB/WR; Pompano Beach, Fla.
Bruce Mapp; WR/DB; Philadelphia, Pa.
Laderrick "Pablo" Smith; WR/QB; Pompano Beach, Fla.
Our Prediction: 1st place in the group.
Spain (World Ranking: 16th Place)
Spain enters the tournament with a fresh look, bringing in a mix of experienced players and new talent. The team had an impressive outing at the BIG BOWL in Germany, defeating the formidable Walldorf Wanderers and securing a surprising third-place finish. Key players include Jesus Clemente, the MVP & Champion of Copa de Espana, who will now take on a centre position, and the young QB Ivan Lopez, who showed promise at just 19 years old.
The Spanish squad, mostly drawn from clubs like Black Demons and Valencia Firebats, will rely heavily on their solid defensive line, with notable mentions like Willem Jore-Sastre and Jorge Garcia. The inclusion of Chus Batista adds further depth to their roster
Our Prediction: 2nd place in the group.
Brazil (World Ranking: 17th Place)
Brazil's flag football team may not yet be a powerhouse like its tackle counterpart, but they bring a unique flair to the tournament. Players like Matheus Silva, who will be joining another team post-tournament, and talents such as Renato Munford and Daniel Athos, add a mix of excitement and potential.
While Brazil boasts talent, they face challenges, particularly against the speed and experience of teams like the USA and Spain. Their success in the tournament will hinge on their ability to adapt and leverage their strengths
Whole roster:
Athos Daniel WR Coritiba Crocodiles
Matheus Oliveira RSH Floripa Ghosts
Renato Munford WR Floripa Ghosts
Edmar Dos Santos WR UEA
Nicolas Quadro WR Floripa Ghosts
Pedro Clemente WR Sao Paolo Spartans
Matheus Silva WR Coritiba Crocodiles / Ljubljana Frogs
Kyoshi Takemura QB Floripa Ghosts
Felipe Nunes WR/DB Cavalaria 2 de Julho
Jao Pedro Chermont WR/DB RFA
Felipe Aymore WR/DB Caniballs
Victor Hugo WR/DB Sao Paolo Spartans
Our Prediction: 3rd place in the group.
Serbia (World Ranking: 32nd Place)
Making their debut at the World Championship, Serbia finds itself in a challenging group. Led by the legendary Goran Zec, a recently retired tackle football star known for his defensive prowess, Serbia has a few promising elements. QB Milan Manić, guided by the experienced Oscar de Luna Bugallo, could provide some surprising performances.
The team, primarily composed of players from the Inđija Indians, will look to leverage their underdog status and the experience of the Katić brothers, Miloš and Vukašin, to pull off potential upsets. While they face an uphill battle, Serbia could surprise if the schedule aligns favourably.
Our Prediction: 4th place in the group.
As the championship approaches, fans and players alike are eagerly anticipating the action in Lahti. With teams like the USA and Spain expected to lead the pack, it will be fascinating to see how underdogs like Brazil and newcomers like Serbia perform on the world stage. Flag football's rise continues, and this World Championship promises to be a thrilling chapter in its story.
