Mexico crowned NFL Flag Football World Champions
MEXICO'S Los Diabilitos have been crowned NFL Flag Football World Champions after defeating South Korea's Wa-Ryong Middle School in Saturday's final played in Tokyo, Japan.Ten teams consisting of 12 to 14-year-old boys and girls from around the world competed in the prestigious flag tournament.
The semi finals and final, as well as other positional games, took place on Saturday August 2, ahead of the NFL preseason American Bowl game between the New York Jets and Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Preliminary round action had been played on Thursday and Friday of last week.
After topping Group A with a perfect 4-0 record, Mexico defeated Australia's Prince Alfred College 67-28 in the semi final. South Korea saw off Thailand's Chaopraya Wittayakam School 31-26 in the second semi final. But Mexico proved to be the class of the tournament in the final, romping to a 54-32 victory.
Thailand secured third place with a thrilling 45-44 victory over Australia, who ended the competition ranked fourth. Spain's IES Pere Vives matched the highest-ever European finish when they defeated Japan's Senri Fighting Bee 36-26 in the battle for fifth place.
Reigning European school champions Arcus Knights, of the Netherlands, ended the competition in seventh place after ending their trip to Japan with a 42-20 victory over Austria's SHS Air Force Graz.
Canada's Immaculate Heart of Mary avoided the tournament wooden spoon when they defeated the USA's John McLaughlin's Flag4kids Football Club Buccaneers 44-12 in the game to decide ninth and tenth places.
Final rankings at NFL Flag Football World Championship
Champions: Mexico
2nd place: South Korea
3rd place: Thailand
4th place: Australia
5th place: Spain
6th place: Japan
7th place: Netherlands
8th place: Austria
9th place: Canada
10th place: USA
04 Aug, 03 | 12:22 pm