World Bowl '96 (or World Bowl IV), the championship game of American football's WLAF, took place at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, Scotland on June 23, 1996. The 7-3 Scottish Claymores defeated the 7-3 Frankfurt Galaxy (the defending champions) 32-27 and, led by head coach Jim Criner, completed the league's first ever worst to first turnaround. Claymores wide receiver Yo Murphy was voted MVP for his 163 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns.

38,982 fans were in attendance that day, the highest in Claymores history and the largest crowd ever assembled for an American football game in Scotland.

Background

The Claymores swept the regular season series against the Galaxy (20-0 in Frankfurt & 20-17 in Edinburgh).

Game summary

The game got off to a fast start as Claymore safety George Coghill, on the opening kickoff, stripped the ball from Mario Bailey's arms. After the ball came out, Markus Thomas used his running back speed to return the ball 25 yards for a touchdown, allowing Scottish rugby legend Gavin Hastings to kick the successful PAT. However, the Galaxy would respond to the Claymores challenge, by having an 11-play, 80-yard drive that ended with Jay Kearney running 16 yards on a reverse play for a touchdown. The Galaxy also flexed their defensive muscle when CB Bernard Tobias made 2 of his game high 3 interceptions in the first quarter. In the second quarter, Galaxy QB Steve Pelluer would develop a 6-play, 30-yard drive that concluded with a 2-yard TD pass to Mario Bailey. For the first time in the game, the Galaxy led the Claymores, but Scotland's finest refused to enter halftime trailing. Claymore QB Jim Ballard would lead two successful drives, late in the half. First, a 2-play, 39-yard would set up a 6-yard pass to eventual MVP Yo Murphy (PAT failed). Then, a 3-play, 15-yard drive would set the stage for a 16-yard pass to Murphy, but the 2-point try failed, due to the Galaxy's pass rush. Still, the Claymores regained their lead, being ahead 19-14 at halftime. In the third quarter, the Claymores increased their lead by adding Paul McCallum's 46-yard field goal to their score. However, the Galaxy would respond with a 4-play, 74-yard drive that ended with a 32-yard pass to Mario Bailey, but they failed on the 2-point conversion. The Claymores would respond big with a 71-yard TD pass from Jim Ballard to Yo Murphy (PAT failed). In the fourth quarter, the Claymores would get four points on a 50-yard field goal by Paul McCallum. With the Galaxy down 32-20, they needed points and they needed them fast. They would manage a 7-play, 63-yard drive that ended with a 5-yard pass from Steve Pelluer to Mike Bellamy. After the Galaxy managed to get the ball back, they had less than a minute to get a touchdown and defend their title. Some quick passes helped Frankfurt get pass midfield, but when the Galaxy reached a 4th & short situation, the mood throughout Murrayfield Stadium was tension. When the ball was snapped, the hand-off to Ingo Seibert was fumbled. Steve Pelluer managed to recover the ball and pick up the first down, but then, a flag was thrown. The referees stated that the fourth down rule was in effect (see 4th Down rule below). Since another player recovered the ball, the play was blown dead. It was that play and that rule that preserved the Claymores lead, giving them their 1996 World Bowl title.

Scoring summary

• Scotland - TD Thomas 25 yd fumble recovery 0:11 1st
• Frankfurt - TD Kearney 16 yd run 6:27 1st
• Frankfurt - TD Bailey 2 yd pass from Pelluer 4:39 2nd
• Scotland - TD Murphy 6 yd pass from Ballard 14:02 2nd
• Scotland - TD Murphy 16 yd pass from Ballard 14:52 2nd
• Scotland - FG McCallum 46 yd 6:46 3rd
• Frankfurt - TD Bailey 32 yd pass from Pelluer (2-Point failed)
• Scotland - TD Murphy 71 yd pass from Ballard 9:42 3rd (PAT failed)
• Scotland - 4-point FG McCallum 50 yd 5:06 4th
• Frankfurt - TD Bellamy 5 yd pass from Pelluer 12:10 4th

World Bowl '97 (or World Bowl V) was NFL Europe's 1997 championship game. The game was played at Estadi Olimpic de Montjuic in Barcelona, Spain on June 22, 1997. This World Bowl was played between the 7-3 Rhein Fire and the 5-5 Barcelona Dragons. 31,100 fans were in attendance as the Dragons won their first and only World Bowl title in franchise history by beating the Fire 38-24. Dragons QB Jon Kitna was given MVP honors, by going 23 of 31 for 401 Yards with 2 Touchdowns and only 1 Interception.

Background

The Dragons won the first meeting 27-12 in Düsseldorf, while the Fire won the second meeting 38-23 in Barcelona.

Game summary

The Rhein Fire managed to get the game's early sparks going as they had a 9-play, 46-yard drive that led to a 31-yard field goal by Manfred Burgsmüller. However, the Dragons would put up some real fire power, as Dragons QB Jon Kitna led a 4-play, 80-yard drive that was capped off with a 13-yard run by Terry Wilburn. Then, more than halfway through the first quarter, as Rhein began a drive from deep in their own territory, Fire QB T.J. Rubley threw an interception towards Dragons safety Carlos Brooks, who returned the ball 16 yards for a touchdown. In the second quarter, the fireworks managed to start flying. Rubley would lead a 7-play, 39-yard drive and cap it off with a touchdown on a 3-yard QB sneak. However, Kitna and the Dragons would respond with a 4-play, 79-yard drive that concluded with a 66-yard TD pass to WR Marcos Martos. Then, a little later in the quarter, the Dragons would further increase their lead with a 5-play, 80-yard drive that ended with a 40-yard pass to WR Alfonzo Browning. However, the Rhein Fire refused to trail 28-10 at halftime. Near the end of the half, Rubley would lead a 9-play, 56-yard drive that concluded with him running the ball in for a touchdown on a 1-yard QB sneak. In the third quarter, both sides had their defenses stiffen throughout most of the quarter. However, the Dragons would eventually get an 8-play, 90-yard drive working for them, as RB Terry Wilburn capped off the drive with a 4-yard TD run. Trailing 35-17 heading into the fourth quarter, the Rhein Fire had to get some points quick and fast. Unfortunately for them, the only score that they could get in the final quarter was a 22-yard pass from Rubley to WR Sean Foster. The Dragons then capped off their World Bowl title with a 34-yard field goal by Jesus Angoy.

Scoring summary

• Rhein - FG Burgsmüller 31 yd 4:47 1st
• Barcelona - TD Wilburn 13 yd run 6:34 1st
• Barcelona - TD Brooks 16 yd INT return 11:05 1st
• Rhein - TD Rubley 3 yd run 0:58 2nd
• Barcelona - TD Martos 66 yd pass from Kitna 2:59 2nd
• Barcelona - TD Browning 40 yd pass from Kitna 9:01 2nd
• Rhein - TD Rubley 1 yd run 13:13 2nd
• Barcelona - TD Wilburn 4 yd run 12:54 3rd
• Rhein - TD Foster 22 yd pass from Rubley 1:29 4th
• Barcelona - FG Angoy 34 yd 6:11 4th

World Bowl '98 (or World Bowl VI) was NFL Europe's 1998 championship game, located at Waldstadion in Frankfurt, Germany. On June 14, 1998, the 7-3 Rhein Fire went up against the 7-3 Frankfurt Galaxy for the NFL Europe title. 47,846 fans were in attendance (which was the largest World Bowl crowd since 1991), as the Fire was able to avenge last year's World Bowl collapse by winning 34-10. Fire QB Jim Arellanes managed to fill in for the injured Mike Quinn and earn MVP honors on his first official start by going 12 of 18 for 263 Yards with 3 Touchdowns and No Interceptions.

Background

The Fire won the first meeting 31-14 in Frankfurt, while the Galaxy took the second meeting 20-17 (OT) in Düsseldorf.

Game summary

In this World Bowl, two back-up QB's were given the starting job for NFL Europe's biggest stage. For the Rhein Fire, it was Jim Arellanes and for the Frankfurt Galaxy, it was Chris Dittoe. Even in the thrashing rain, the Fire managed to light first with a 29-yard field goal by Manny Burgsmüller. Then, near the end of the first quarter, Arellanes led his Fire on a 10-play, 67-yard drive that was capped off with a 15-yard pass to WR Dialleo Burks. In the second quarter, the Galaxy finally managed to score, thanks to a 13-play, 80-yard drive that concluded with a 3-yard run by RB Jermaine Chaney. However, near the end of the first half, the Fire didn't want Frankfurt closing in on them, as Arellanes lead a 4-play, 40-yard drive that ended with a 20-yard TD pass to Burks, to make the score 17-7 at halftime. In the third quarter, the Galaxy struggled offensively to get points. In the end, all they could muster up was a 41-yard field goal by Ralf Kleinmann. For the remainder of the game, it was all Rhein. After Frankfurt's field goal, the Fire wrapped up the third period with a 74-yard TD pass from Arellanes to WR Marcus Robinson. In the fourth quarter, the Fire managed to put the game away with Burgsmuller's 20-yard field goal and Jon Vaughn's 15-yard run. When the game clock reached 0:00, the Fire celebrated their first-ever World Bowl title.

Scoring summary

• Rhein - FG Burgsmüller 29 yd 4:13 1st
• Rhein - TD Burks 15 yd pass from Arellanes 12:29 1st
• Frankfurt - TD Chaney 3 yd run 4:13 2nd
• Rhein - TD Burks 20 yd pass from Arellanes 11:24 2nd
• Frankfurt - FG Kleinmann 41 yd 2:22 3rd
• Rhein - TD Robinson 74 yd pass from Arellanes 3:52 3rd
• Rhein - FG Burgsmüller 20 yd 11:01 4th
• Rhein - TD Vaughn 15 yd run 13:07 4th

World Bowl '99 (or World Bowl VII) was NFL Europe's 1999 championship game. It was played in Rheinstadion in Düsseldorf, Germany on June 27, 1999. The match-up was between the 6-4 Frankfurt Galaxy and the 7-3 Barcelona Dragons. 39,643 fans were in attendance to the match-up, as they witnessed Pat Barnes, Jake Delhomme (future Carolina Panthers QB) and the Galaxy avenge last year's World Bowl loss with a 38-24 victory over the Dragons. Galaxy WR Andy McCullough captured MVP honors with 6 receptions for 151 Yards and 3 Touchdowns, with his longest reception at 45 Yards.

Background

The Dragons swept the regular season series against the Galaxy (21-15 (OT) in Barcelona & 28-26 in Frankfurt).

Game summary

With the help of Dragon, Admiral, and Fire fans, Barcelona was able to go deep into Galaxy territory on their opening drive, but Frankfurt's defense managed to hold its ground, limiting the Dragons to a 38-yard field goal by Jesus Angoy. The Galaxy had their fans in the game after Ralf Kleinmann's 25-yard field goal tied the game at 3-3. However, the Dragons managed to take advantage of a defensive pass interference penalty, eventually setting up RB Lawrence Phillips' 4-yard TD run. However, the touchdown would come at a price. Phillips injured his hamstring shortly after the play and he would have to leave the game. This would put the Dragons in the passing lane, rather than their normal running game. In the second quarter, the Galaxy would respond to Barcelona's touchdown by having Galaxy QB Pat Barnes connect with WR Andy McCullough on an 11-yard TD pass. When Frankfurt got the ball back, Barnes and McCullough hooked up with each other again, with a 32-yard TD pass. After both teams each had two failed drives, the Galaxy entered halftime, leading 17-10. In the third quarter, the Dragons got back in the game by recovering a fumble and then, capping off an 8-play, 25-yard drive with Dragons QB Todd Bouman throwing a 5-yard pass to Brian Finneran. However, Frankfurt responded with a 7-play, 40-yard drive that ended with a 3-yard run by Rene Ingoglia. Near the beginning of the fourth quarter, Galaxy QB Jake Delhomme concluded a 14-play, 98-yard drive with an 8-yard TD pass to WR Mario Bailey. Down 31-17, the Dragons had to get a lot of points really fast. They responded with a 2-yard TD run by Mario Grier. However, the Galaxy managed to put the game away, with Barnes leading a 9-play, 80-yard drive that ended with MVP Andy McCullough catching a 7-yard TD pass. With their victory, the Frankfurt Galaxy managed to become the very first NFL Europe team to win two World Bowls.

Scoring summary

• Barcelona - FG Angoy 38 yd 7:10 1st
• Frankfurt - FG Kleinmann 25 yd 11:41 1st
• Barcelona - TD Phillips 4 yd run 14:39 1st
• Frankfurt - TD McCullogh 11 yd pass from Barnes 2:20 2nd
• Frankfurt - TD McCullogh 32 yd pass from Barnes 7:34 2nd
• Barcelona - TD Finneran 5 yd pass from Bouman 4:50 3rd
• Frankfurt - TD Ingoglia 3 yd run 8:29 3rd
• Frankfurt - TD Bailey 8 yd pass from Delhomme 2:34 4th
• Barcelona - TD Grier 2 yd run 6:02 4th
• Frankfurt - TD McCullogh 7 yd pass from Barnes 11:42 4th

World Bowl 2000 (or World Bowl VIII) was NFL Europe's championship game, which would bring an end to the 2000 NFL Europe season. Played at Waldstadion in Frankfurt, Germany on June 25, 2000, the match-up was between the 6-4 Scottish Claymores and the 7-3 Rhein Fire. 35,860 fans were in attendance to witness the Fire coming from behind to win a close match-up 13-10. Fire QB Danny Wuerffel took home MVP honors, despite going 12 of 30 for 90 yards with no touchdowns and 2 Interceptions.

Background

The Fire won the first meeting 22-10 in Düsseldorf, while the Claymores won the second meeting 31-24 in Scotland.

Game summary

In this low-scoring affair, the Rhein Fire struck first when they went 51 yards on 11 plays in the opening drive, but they could only come up with a 21-yard field goal by Manfred Burgsmuller. The Claymores responded with their opening drive, by going 75 yards on only three plays and gracefully capping it off with a 36-yard run by RB Aaron Stecker. In the second quarter, the Claymores increased their lead by going 52 yards on 12 plays, yet ending up with a 32-yard field goal by Rob Hart. The Fire managed to respond on an 8-play, 34-yard drive, but the Claymore defense made Rhein settle for a 23-yard field goal by Burgsmuller. Heading into halftime, the Claymores led 10-6 and feeling confident that they would win another championship title. In the second half of the game, both sides failed to score a single point in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, it seemed like the Claymores had the game all but won. However, the Fire refused to go down without a fight. Getting the ball with 5:07 left on the clock, Fire QB Danny Wuerffel led his team on an 8-play, 43-yard drive that was not only time-consuming, but Fire RB Pepe Pearson scored the game-winning touchdown from a yard out. Even though the Claymores got the ball back and managed to gel some reasonable yardage, Hart's 40-yard field goal attempt (which would have tied the game up) went wide left, preserving Rhein's small lead and giving them their second World Bowl title in three years.

Scoring summary

• Rhein - FG Burgsmuller 21 yd 5:12 1st
• Scotland - TD Stecker 36 yd run 6:22 1st
• Scotland - FG Hart 32 yd 5:57 2nd
• Rhein - FG Burgsmuller 23 yd 10:01 2nd
• Rhein - TD Pearson 1 yd run 13:48 4th

• BER - Scott Bentley 53 yd FG 9:32 1st (BER 4-0)
• BAR - Jesus Angoy 20 yd FG 14:10 1st (BER 4-3)
• BAR - Jesus Angoy 29 yd FG 3:39 2nd (BAR 6-4)
• BAR - Jesus Angoy 33 yd FG 12:30 2nd (BAR 9-4)
• BER - Dwaune Jones 46 yd TD pass from Jonathan Quinn (conversion failed) 13:57 2nd (BER 10-9)
• BAR - Tony Simmons 58 yd TD pass from Jarious Jackson (Trevor Insley 2-pt conversion pass from Jarious Jackson) 6:52 3rd (BAR 17-10)
• BER - Ahmad Merritt 17 yd TD pass from Jonathan Quinn (Bentley kick) 5:13 4th (17-17)
• BER - Dwaune Jones 53 yd TD pass from Jonathan Quinn (Bentley kick) 10:52 4th (BER 24-17)

World Bowl X was NFL Europe's 2002 championship game. The game was played at Rheinstadion in Düsseldorf, Germany on June 22, 2002. It would be the final event held at Rheinstadion before its demolition.

In this game, the defending champion Berlin Thunder were hoping to protect their title after going thourgh another 6-4 season. This time, their opponent was the 7-3 Rhein Fire, who won the World Bowl in 2000 and were hoping to take home another title. There were 53,109 fans in attendance (which it currently the largest World Bowl crowd since 1998), who witnessed NFL Europe history. The Berlin Thunder became the very first NFL Europe team to win back-to-back World Bowls, thanks to their 26-20 victory over the Fire. Thunder WR Dane Looker was given MVP honors, after having 11 receptions for 111 yards and 2 Touchdowns, with his longest reception being 41 Yards.

Background

The Fire swept the regular season series against the Thunder (20-16 in Berlin & 24-14 in Düsseldorf).

Game summary

Rhein's opening drive came to an abrupt end on the just the second play from scrimmage, as Thunder DE Dwayne Missouri intercepted Fire QB Tee Martin's pass, setting up a 47-yard field goal by Danny Boyd. On their next drive, Thunder QB Todd Husak led an 8-play, 85-yard drive that was capped off with a 41-yard pass to WR Dane Looker. On their next possession (which would be the last one of the quarter), the Thunder failed on three passes to turn an interception into a touchdown. So, they had to settle for a 27-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Berlin's defense prevented the Rhein Fire from getting some needed heat and the Thunder offense managed to get a touchdown near the end of the half, thanks to a 15-yard pass from Husak to Looker. With that touchdown, Berlin entered halftime with a commanding 20-0 lead. In the third quarter, the Fire finally managed to score, thanks to RB Tony Taylor getting an 8-yard TD run. However, the Thunder responded with Boyd's 45-yard field goal. Trailing 23-7 entering the fourth quarter, the Rhein Fire needed points and they needed them fast. The Fire's next touchdown would come from a 2-yard pass from Tee Martin to Scott Cloman. Unfortunately, the two-point conversion pass to Oyeniran Odunayo Ojo failed. To make it even worse, the Thunder responded with a 38-yard field goal by Boyd. Near the end of the game, Fire QB Tee Martin ran in a 1-yard TD. However, by that point of the game, that touchdown meant nothing, since they failed to overcome a huge deficit. When the official clock reached 00:00, the Thunder celebrated their second championship, which was also their first back-to-back championship title.

Scoring summary

• Berlin - FG Boyd 47 yd 3:28 1st
• Berlin - TD Looker 41 yd pass from Husak 9:59 1st
• Berlin - FG Kruse 27 yd 14:01 1st
• Berlin - TD Looker 15 yd pass from Husak 13:04 2nd
• Rhein - TD Taylor 6 yd run 10:21 3rd
• Berlin - FG Boyd 45 yd 14:34 3rd
• Rhein - TD Cloman 2 yd pass from Martin (Two-Point Failed)
• Berlin - FG Boyd 38 yd pass 7:00 4th
• Rhein - TD Martin 1 yd run 14:40 4th

World Bowl XI was NFL Europe's 2003 championship game. It was played at Hampden Park in Glasgow, Scotland on June 14, 2003. The game was between the 6-4 Rhein Fire and the 6-4 Frankfurt Galaxy. The Fire was hoping to avenge last year's loss to Berlin, while the Galaxy was looking for their first World Bowl title since 1999. 28,138 fans were in attendance, as the Galaxy easily won 35-16 over the Fire. Galaxy running back Jonas Lewis earned Most Valuable Player honors, when he ran 16 times for 126 yards (World Bowl record) and a touchdown, with his longest run being 42 yards.

Background

The Fire won the first meeting 14-7 in Düsseldorf, while the Galaxy won the second meeting 38-7 in Frankfurt.

Game summary

The Galaxy drew first blood with a 4-point field goal, which was Jon Hilbert's 53-yard attempt. On their next attempt, Galaxy quarterback James Brown led his team 8-play, 79-yard drive that ended with Lewis running the ball in from a yard out. The Fire tried to responded with a touchdown, but Frankfurt's defense made them settle for a 39-yard field goal by Todd France. In the second quarter, after the Fire goofed a punt attempt, Frankfurt quarterback Quinn Gray led his team on a 3-play, 15-yard drive and he concluded it with a 10-yard pass to wide receiver Marc Lester. Again, the Fire tried to respond with a touchdown of their own, but again, the Galaxy defense made them settle for another field goal, which was a 31-yarder by Ingo Anderbrügge. Afterwards, the Galaxy would quickly respond with a 3-play, 79-yard drive that ended with running back Robert Gillespie running 29 yards for a touchdown. With only two minutes left until halftime, the Fire desperately needed a touchdown to keep up with Frankfurt. At first, their drive showed promise as they started from their own 44-yard line and managed to get to Frankfurt's 9-yard line. Unfortunately, the drive stalled once the Fire got there and they had to settle for 27-yard field goal by Anderbrügge. At halftime, the Galaxy had a comfortable 25-9 lead over the Fire. In the third quarter, Rhein got the ball to begin the second half and on their opening drive and the Fire managed to get to Frankfurt's 1-yard line. However, they failed to get the ball in on 3rd & goal. Then, on 4th & goal, Fire center Dustin Keith fumbled the ball and Galaxy defensive tackle Daniel Benetka managed to recover the ball, preventing Rhein from another touchdown opportunity. After Benetka got the ball for Frankfurt, Brown lead his team on a 10-play, 99-yard drive that ended with that ended with runnin back Adam Tate running in for a 1-yard touchdown strike. Heading into the fourth quarter, the Fire trailed 32-9 and only a miracle could save any hope of Rhein winning another World Bowl title. Alas, the Galaxy would just kick a 34-yard field goal by Ralf Kleinmann to increase their lead and make the score 35-9. Even though the Rhein Fire would finally respond with a 5-yard touchdown pass from Chris Greisen to Dwayne Blakely, it was too little, too late for the Fire. When the official clock reached 00:00, the Galaxy celebrated their third World Bowl victory in franchise history.

Scoring summary

• Frankfurt - 4-Point FG Hilbert 53 yd 2:55 1st
• Frankfurt - TD Lewis 1 yd 9:18 1st
• Rhein - FG France 39 yd 14:04 1st
• Frankfurt - TD Lester 20 yd pass from Gray 5:07 2nd
• Rhein - FG Anderbrügge 31 yd 11:18 2nd
• Frankfurt - TD Gillespie 29 yd run 12:54 2nd
• Rhein - FG Anderbrügge 27 yd 15:00 2nd
• Frankfurt - TD Tate 1 yd run 11:47 3rd
• Frankfurt - FG Kleinmann 34 yd 10:23 4th
• Rhein - TD Blakley 47 yd pass from Greisen 13:05 4th

World Bowl XII was NFL Europe's 2004 championship game. The game was played at Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen, Germany on June 12, 2004. In this game, the defending champion Frankfurt Galaxy returned to try and protect their title after going through a 7-3 regular season. Their opponent would be the Berlin Thunder, as they entered the contest after a franchise best 9-1 regular season. 35,413 fans were in attendance to watch this championship bout. The Thunder's regular season record pretty much explained their performance, as they stripped the Galaxy of their championship belt in a close match-up. The final score was 30-24, in favor of Berlin. Thunder RB Eric McCoo won MVP honors by running 28 times for 167 Yards and a touchdown, with his longest run being 69 Yards.

Background

The Thunder swept the regular season series against the Galaxy (31-27 in Frankfurt & 41-0 in Berlin).

Game summary

World Bowl XII began with the Galaxy getting the ball first, yet four plays and one "Delay of Game" penalty later, QB J.T. O'Sullivan tried to pass to RB Skip Hicks and his pass got intercepted by Berlin DT Montique Sharpe, who returned the ball 28 yards for a touchdown. The Galaxy would then start their second drive at their own 25-yard line. Despite going 66 yards on 11 plays, the Thunder defense forced the Galaxy to settle for a 28-yard field goal by Ralf Kleinmann. In the second quarter, both teams prevented each other from scoring for most of the period. It wasn't until the final two minutes of the half that the scoring would continue, with J.T. O'Sullivan leading a 5-play, 55-yard drive and capping it off with an 8-yard TD pass to WR Derrick Lewis. With less than a minute to go in the half, Thunder QB Rohan Davey got a 7-play, 51-yard drive going, yet Frankfurt's defense forced Berlin to settle for a 38-yard field goal by Jonathan Ruffin, which gave the Berlin Thunder a 10-7 halftime lead. In the third quarter, one play was all that was needed on their second drive of the half, as a little trick play helped QB Rohan Davey get the ball to WR Richard Alston, who in turn completed a 60-yard TD pass to fellow WR Chas Gessner. The Thunder would later continue to pour on their lead, as Ruffin kicked a 42-yard field goal to give the Thunder a 23-10 lead going into the fourth quarter. In the fourth quarter, the Thunder got their final points of the game, as MVP RB Eric McCoo ran 69 yards for a touchdown. With the Galaxy trailing 30-10 with under six minutes to play, they needed points and they needed them fast. They would respond as O'Sullivan lead a 5-play, 64-yard drive and wrap it up with a 17-yard TD pass to WR Drew Haddad. On their next drive, O'Sullivan would throw a 19-yard pass to Derrick Lewis. Unfortunately, it was too little, too late as the Thunder would wind the game clock to zero and clich their third World Bowl title in four years.

Scoring summary

• Berlin - TD Sharpe 28 yd INT return 2:25 1st
• Frankfurt - FG Kleinmann 28 yd 7:42 1st
• Frankfurt - TD Lewis 8 yd pass from O'Sullivan 14:01 2nd
• Berlin - FG Ruffin 38 yd 15:00 2nd
• Berlin - TD Gessner 60 yd pass from Alston 3:35 3rd
• Berlin - FG Ruffin 42 yd 12:23 3rd
• Berlin - FG Ruffin 40 yd 3rd 14:07
• Berlin - TD McCoo 69 yr run 4th 8:34
• Frankfurt - TD Haddad 17 yd pass from O'Sullivan 10:55 4th
• Frankfurt - TD Lewis 19 yd pass from O'Sullivan 12:29 4th

World Bowl XIII

Amsterdam Admirals Berlin Thunder (2nd) (1st) 27 21
1 2 3 4 Total AMS 7 10 7 3 27 BER 0 7 0 14 21
Date	June 11, 2005
Stadium	LTU Arena
Location	Düsseldorf
Network	Fox

World Bowl XIII was NFL Europe's 2005 championship game. It was played at the LTU arena in Düsseldorf, Germany on June 11, 2005. In this match-up, the 6-4 Amsterdam Admirals managed to get back to the World Bowl after losing in World Bowl III and spending nearly a decade being on the outside. Now, they had a chance to dig deep and win big. Their opponent for the match-up was the Berlin Thunder, who were coming off their best year (9-1 and a victory in World Bowl XII) and made it back to the World Bowl with a 7-3 record, hoping to defend their title. 35,134 fans were in attendance for the fight. After many years of suffering, the Admirals won their very first World Bowl title by stripping the defending champion Thunder of their title, by a final score of 27-21. Taking home MVP honors was Admirals QB Kurt Kittner, who went 15 of 28 for 239 yards with 2 touchdowns and no interceptions.

Background

The Admirals won the first meeting 31-27 in Amsterdam, while the Thunder took the second meeting 27-16 in Berlin.

Game summary

The Admirals drew first blood on their opening possession as Admirals QB Kurt Kittner lead his team on a 9-play, 68-yard drive and capped it off with a 22-yard TD pass to WR Ruvell Martin. It would turn out to be the only score of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Admirals would quickly add to their lead. They used their first full possession of the period on just one play, but it would be swift and painful, as Amsterdam took advantage of a fumble recovery to take control at Berlin's 12-yard line. Afterwards, Kittner threw a 12-yard TD pass to TE Mike Gomez. On their next possession, the Admirals continued to pour it on, as his Admirals stopped a 4th down conversion from the Thunder and took over with good field position (Berlin's 27-yard line). Despite the good position, the Thunder defense finally stiffened and the Admirals had to settle for a 32-yard field goal by kicker Chris Snyder. The Berlin Thunder would finally be able to get on the board near the end of the half, as Thunder QB Dave Ragone led his team on a 4-play, 51-yard drive and capped it off with a 10-yard pass to WR Aaron Boone. Despite the impressive resurgence, the first half belonged to Amsterdam as they lead 17-7 at halftime.

In the third quarter, the Admirals continued to show how much they want Berlin's crown by striking on their opening drive. Kittner lead his team on a 4-play, 80-yard drive that ended with RB Jonathan Smith running 18 well-earned yards for a TD.

Trailing 24-7 going into the fourth quarter, the Thunder needed a lot of points in a hurry, if they wanted to defend their title. Continuing a drive that begin in the final seconds of the third quarter, Ragone led his team on a 5-play, 80-yard drive that concluded with a 10-yard TD pass to RB Little John Flowers. However, the Admirals continued to put the game further out of reach, as they responded with a 28-yard field goal by Snyder. Ragone and his Thunder would respond with a 10-play, 78-yard drive and get a TD with Ragone himself running in on a 10-yard QB sneak. With another long drive the Berlin Thunder set themselves up near the redzone again, where the Admirals forced the Berlin Thunder to 4th down with 5 seconds to spare. That final play ended with Norman LeJeune writing history for the Amsterdam Admirals when he batted away a Dave Ragone pass intended for WR Redd. The Admirals managed to pull off an upset by taking down the defending champions and win their very first World Bowl title.

Scoring summary

• Amsterdam - TD Martin 22 yd pass from Kittner 4:52 1st
• Amsterdam - TD Gomez 12 yd pass from Kittner 3:03 2nd
• Amsterdam - FG Snyder 32 yd 8:00 2nd
• Berlin - TD Boone 10 yd pass from Ragone 14:27 2nd
• Amsterdam - TD Smith 18 yd run 5:14 3rd
• Berlin - TD Flowers 10 yd pass from Ragone 1:19 4th
• Amsterdam - FG Snyder 28 yd 5:51 4th
• Berlin - TD Redd 10 yd pass from Ragone 10:05 4th

World Bowl XIV

Frankfurt Galaxy Amsterdam Admirals (2nd) (1st) 22 7 Head coach:  Mike Jones Head coach:  Bart Andrus
1 2 3 4 Total FRA 2 0 10 10 22 AMS 0 7 0 0 7
Date	May 27, 2006
Stadium	LTU Arena
Location	Düsseldorf
Network	NFL Network

World Bowl XIV was NFL Europe's 2006 championship game. It was played at the LTU Arena in Düsseldorf, Germany on Saturday, May 27, 2006.

The game was between the 7-3 Frankfurt Galaxy and the defending World Bowl Champion Amsterdam Admirals (also 7-3). 36,286 people were in attendance, as the Galaxy stripped the Admirals of their title in a 22-7 victory. Frankfurt RB Butchie Wallace was named MVP of World Bowl XIV, by running 18 times for 143 yards (with his longest rush being 63 yards) and 1 touchdown.

This was the very first World Bowl that wasn't played in June, as the league wanted to avoid a clash with the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Also, it marked the third-straight year that a team would fall in a World Bowl after winning the title in the previous year.

Background

The Admirals swept the regular season series against the Galaxy (38-20 in Amsterdam & 17-12 in Frankfurt).

Game summary

In a low-scoring first half, the Galaxy struck first with 1:55 left in the first quarter. Frankfurt DT Jerome Nichols sacked Admirals QB Jared Allen in the end zone for a safety. However, in the second quarter, the Admirals would respond with a 7-play, 55-yard drive that ended with Amsterdam RB Larry Croom running 12 yards for a touchdown. It gave the Admirals a 7-2 halftime lead. However, these seven points would be all that the Admirals would score. In the third quarter, Frankfurt QB Jeff Otis led his team on an 8-play, 66-yard drive that ended with RB Butchie Wallance running 4 yards for a touchdown. On their next possession, Frankfurt Kicker David Kimball kicking a 29-yard field goal, which would give the Galaxy a 12-7 lead going into the final quarter. In the fourth quarter, the Amsterdam Admirals couldn't get any points onto the board, as Frankfurt's defense closed any hope of a comeback. Meanwhile, the Galaxy offense, led by Otis, widened their lead with a 14-play, 62-yard drive that was capped off with a 37-yard field goal by Kimball. On their next possession, Frankfurt delivered the final nail for the Admirals coffin as Galaxy RB J.R. Niklos capped off a 3-play, 74-yard drive with a 12-yard dash to the end zone for a touchdown. With their victory, the Galaxy captured their fourth World Bowl title in franchise history.

Scoring summary

• Frankfurt - Safety Nichols sacks Allen 1:55 1st
• Amsterdam - TD Croom 12 yd run 7:32 2nd
• Frankfurt - TD Wallance 4 yd run 4:22 3rd
• Frankfurt - FG Kimball 29 yd 0:29 3rd
• Frankfurt - FG Kimball 37 yd 4:37 4th
• Frankfurt - TD Niklos 12 yd run 1:06 4th

World Bowl XV

Hamburg Sea Devils Frankfurt Galaxy (1st) (2nd) 37 28 Head coach:  Vince Martino Head coach:  Mike Jones
1 2 3 4 Total HAM 13 10 7 7 37 FRA 0 14 14 0 28
Date	June 23, 2007
Stadium	Commerzbank-Arena
Location	Frankfurt
Network	NFL Network

World Bowl XV was NFL Europa's 2007 championship game, and the final game in the league's history. It was played at Commerzbank-Arena in Frankfurt, Germany on Saturday, June 23, 2007. The defending World Bowl champion Frankfurt Galaxy (7-3) hosted the Hamburg Sea Devils (7-3) in their own home stadium.

The game marked the third time that Frankfurt hosted the World Bowl. They were the host of World Bowl VI in 1998 and of World Bowl VIII in 2000.

World Bowl XV was the only World Bowl under the new NFL Europa branding. It was also the first World Bowl appearance for the Sea Devils, while the Galaxy made their 8th appearance, extending the record they already held.

Meat Loaf and Neverland Express served as the game's pregame show performance. The United States Army Europe Band and Chorus from Heidelberg Germany served as the game's half time show performance.

The Sea Devils won their first World Bowl championship with a 37-28 win, becoming the highest scoring World Bowl in league history (65 total points). QB Casey Bramlet took MVP honors by completing 20 out of 27 passes for 347 yards and he threw a World Bowl record 4 touchdown passes. 48,125 people were in attendance.

Background

The Galaxy won the first meeting 20-17 in Frankfurt, while the Sea Devils took the second meeting 36-31 in Hamburg.

Game summary

The Sea Devils drew first blood with QB Casey Bramlet completing a 3-yard TD pass to WR Justin Jenkins (followed with a failed PAT). Afterwards, Bramlet went right back to work with a 35-yard flea-flicker TD pass to WR Marcus Maxwell. In the second quarter, the Galaxy finally got going with QB J.T. O'Sullivan completing a 24-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Middleton, but Hamburg responded with RB Jermaine Allen getting a 33-yard TD run. Frankfurt answered with RB Decori Birmingham getting a 5-yard TD run, yet the Sea Devils closed out the half with kicker Shane Andrus getting a 24-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Galaxy played some catch-up with O'Sullivan completing a 24-TD pass to WR Robert Ortiz. However, Hamburg would eventually respond with Bramlet completing a 51-yard TD pass to WR Josh Davis. Frankfurt would eventually get one last score with RB Sha-ron Edwards getting a 2-yard TD run at the end of the third quarter. However, in the fourth quarter, the Sea Devils took control for the rest of the game. They would get the only score of the quarter with Bramlet hooking up again with Maxwell on a 10-yard TD pass. With the win, Hamburg stripped the Galaxy of their championship title and won their first World Bowl title in their three-year history. The win also marked the fourth-straight year that a team lost in the World Bowl after having won the title in the previous year.

Scoring summary

• Hamburg - TD Jenkins 3 yd pass from Bramlet (PAT failed) 8:04 1st
• Hamburg - TD Maxwell 35 yd pass from Bramlet 3:28 1st
• Frankfurt - TD Middleton 24 yd pass from O'Sullivan 12:28 2nd
• Hamburg - TD Allen 33 yd run 7:56 2nd
• Frankfurt - TD Birmingham 5 yd run 4:28 2nd
• Hamburg - FG Andrus 24 yd 0:03 2nd
• Frankfurt - TD Ortiz 24 yd pass from O'Sullivan 11:35 3rd
• Hamburg - TD Davis 51 yd pass from Bramlet 4:27 3rd
• Frankfurt - TD Edwards 2 yd run 0:00 3rd
• Hamburg - TD Maxwell 10 yd pass from Bramlet 10:55 4th