Quarterback Vanita Crouch and the U.S. women’s flag football team’s run for gold came to a stupendous silver medal finish.
The Mexican team came out on top scintillating thanks to an opportunistic defense and never looked back, dominating on both sides of the ball as quarterback Diana Flores and her four touchdown passes highlighted the her 39-6 victory over the United States in the final of The 2022 World Games on Thursday in Birmingham, Alabama. With the victory, Mexico became the first women’s gold flag medal in the history of the World Games.
A shocking start to the game led to a rapid end for the United States, which found itself behind, 8-0, after its first two possessions. The first ended with Xiomara Rios of Mexico scoring from Crouch’s interception and the second ended when Rebeca Landa fired Crouch for safety.
From then on, Mexico’s offense followed the same with dominance, as Flores connected on receiver Silvia Contreras for three touchdowns.
Mexico scored the first 39 points of the game before Crouch found Nadia Bibbs for a short TD reception on a shovel pass from above.
The blowouts also have their turning points and came early for the United States, who appeared to have taken a 6-0 lead on a Crouch TD toss to Crystal Daniels, but were ruled out with a penalty. In the next play, Rios pulled her site pick. Sacks, interceptions and turnovers on downs followed for the U.S. offense on almost every drive.
Mexico led 27-0 at halftime and the United States never carried it again.
While Team Mexico’s chemistry was in abundance, Team U.S.A. appeared to be struggling a day after beating Austria, 36-32, to secure a place in the final.
At the Bronze Medal Game earlier Thursday, Panama defeated Austria, 40-19.
The 16-team World Games tournaments marked the initial time that flag football was part of an international, multi-sport event, according to the U.S.A. Football.
The U.S. flag national teams are led by USA Football, the national governing body of the sport and a member of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee. All national teams are part of the International Football Federation (IFAF).
The NFL Network will broadcast an enhanced package of men’s and women’s flag football gold medal games on Thursday, July 21, at 8 p.m. ET.
