Japan loses to Canada (again) in IFAF U-19 semi-final

In a game where the Japanese team bested Canada in yardage and time of possession, Canada still found a way to defeat Japan in the IFAF Under-19 championship semifinal, held this year in Austin Texxas, by a 33-24 score.  A last minute touchdown won the game for Canada in the semifinal match in 2009- that game ended 38-35.


Japan recieved the opening kickoff and scored first, but Canada cam back and tied the score on the kickoff return for a TD.  A pick-6 put Japan up 14-7.

Japan trailed 23-14 at halftime, as Japan was plagued by 4 interceptions in the first half.

Strangely, Japan also recieved the 2nd half kickoff, and its initial drive ended with a 31-yad Ariwa FG to pull within a touchdown.

Ikuma Mitsuwa came up with an interception on Canada's next drive.  But Japan returned the favor. 

Japan was able to bring it to within 2 when Kishimura scored on a keeper.  But a 97 yard drive by Canada and a TD on a QB keepers by Hugo Richard put Canada back up
33-24.

Japan was able to cross midfield in the last two minutes, but the drive stalled there, and Canada ran out the clock.

Canada moves on to the Gold medal game saturday to face the winner of the USA-Austria matchup; Japan will be in the Bronze medal game to face the loser.

IFAF Under-19 World Championships

International Federation of American Football Under-19 World Championship are being held at Burger Stadium in Austin, Texas.  Eight teams representing (in order of ranking): USA, Canada, Japan, Panama, Austria, France, Sweden and American Samoa.


The most anticipated game of the tournament thus far will be the clash between Japan and Canada on Wednesday, July 4th (Thursday morning in Japan).  In the 2008 semi-finals, the Canadians scored a TD pas with 0:16 remaining, to snatch a 38-35 victory.  That game will be shown live on webcast at 5 PM local time, (7 AM Japan Time on July 5th), to be followed by the Austria-USA contest.


Here is the link to watch live and repeat webcasts
http://www.youtube.com/usafootballeducation

For previews on these and info go here.

The Japanese roster includes Kevin Coghlan (currently enrolled at Waseda University), and WR/KR James Takada (Gray).

The final games will be held on July 7th, with the Bronze medal game at 5:00 and the Gold medal game at 8 (7 and 10 AM on July 8th in Japan).


The inaugural International Federation of American Football Under-19 World Championship was held in 2009 in Canton, Ohio.  The US defeated Canada in the championship game, and Japan took home the bronze by defeating Mexico.