LIVESTREAM Tulip Bowl XXXIX: Groningen Giants vs Amsterdam Crusaders, July 6, 15:00 CET (3 pm, 9 am ET)

By John Mahnen

This Sunday, a classic Dutch football storyline unfolds at Sportpark Sloten in Amsterdam, as perennial powerhouse Amsterdam Crusaders take on first-time finalists Groningen Giants in Tulip Bowl XXXIX—the championship game of the AFBN Eredivisie. 

It’s a David vs. Goliath clash in every sense. The Crusaders, who celebrated their 40th anniversary last year, will be playing in their record 29th Tulip Bowl, aiming for a 21st national title, while the Giants arrive in Amsterdam for their first-ever championship appearance, capping off a remarkable turnaround story just a few years removed from post-pandemic rebuilding and celebrating their 25th anniversary.  

Yet despite the difference in pedigree, don’t expect a walkover. Groningen twice pushed Amsterdam in tight regular-season encounters, losing 22–6 and 24–13. With a gritty, versatile squad and growing confidence, the Giants are poised to test the Crusaders in what could be one of the most competitive Tulip Bowls in recent memory. 

A Cinderella Run to the Final 

The Giants arrive in Amsterdam with momentum and a growing belief in their identity as a true team. Under head coach Sam Peek, a former Californian born in Berlin and now living in the Netherlands, Groningen has become a model for grassroots, student-powered football. Nearly half of the Giants’ roster comes from the university community in Groningen—a unique characteristic that reflects both their diversity and developmental focus. 

The team has come a long way since the lean days of COVID. Now boasting a roster of over 50 players and a vibrant practice squad, the Giants have shown they can compete with the best. They earned their Tulip Bowl berth by defeating Lightning Leiden 28–14 in the playoff semifinals, playing physical, inspired football.  

Leading the offense is Spanish quarterback Martin Garriga, a confident leader with solid fundamentals and a knack for managing tempo. His primary weapons include Gijs “Ricky” Wilke, a dual-threat athlete with experience playing college football in Mexico for Aztecas UDLAP and plays both running back and linebacker, and a rotating group of tight ends and receivers that allow Groningen to shift formations and keep defenses guessing. Coach Peek would put his TE room of Paul Ben, Joel van Gelder, Aaron Holzapfel and Kick Jagt up against any Europe 

On defense, the Giants bring hustle and discipline. Their defensive alignment often morphs from base 4-2-5 to other sets that rely on sound tackling and pursuit. Sunday’s challenge will be to contain Amsterdam’s power run game without conceding big plays in the secondary. 

Crusaders Chase Another Crown 

For the Amsterdam Crusaders, winning isn’t just tradition—it’s expectation. The red-and-black juggernaut has dominated Dutch football for decades and returns to the Tulip Bowl hungry for another title after cruising through the regular season. 

Head coach Vito Alfarez, now in his second season at the helm, has masterfully guided his team through an injury-plagued year. After losing starting quarterback Jasper Nijland early in the campaign to a dislocated shoulder, the Cru turned to Mikhail Bruev, who has grown into the role and now commands a balanced, physically punishing offense. 

“We had to adapt,” said Alfarez. “It wasn’t our plan, but we leaned on our strength: the run game.” 

That ground game is anchored by a fearsome quartet of running backs: Berto Stuit, L’Anthony Reasnover, Urakaj Achthoven, and Cean Sanches, a product of the club’s youth program. With Sydney Kunst converting to a slot receiver role, the Crusaders have added more dynamism in the passing game, especially on crossing routes and option plays. 

The Crusaders’ offensive line remains a key strength—experienced, aggressive, and capable of dominating the line of scrimmage. This unit allows the team to execute out of pistol and shotgun sets with equal effectiveness. 

Defensively, Amsterdam is all about flexibility and pressure. Defensive coaches Lief Erik and Nico Hamel have crafted a hybrid 3-4 look that rotates seamlessly into 5-man fronts and multiple coverage shells. Experienced defenders like Jeffrey Juurlink and Travis Hunter, bring relentless energy and the ability to blitz or drop back in coverage. 

“Our defense thrives on unpredictability,” said Alfarez. “We want the offense to constantly guess where the pressure is coming from.” 

What to Watch 

  1. Battle in the Trenches

Groningen’s young offensive line faces its toughest task yet: neutralize the Crusaders’ exotic defensive fronts. If Garriga is under constant duress, it could be a long afternoon for the Giants. 

  1. Running Back by Committee

Amsterdam’s stable of running backs could wear down the Giants’ defense over four quarters. Look for Alfarez to keep his backs fresh with constant rotation and varied formations. 

  1. Big Plays

With evenly matched defenses and similar time-of-possession strategies, this game could swing on a big play or a key takeaway. Watch for Groningen to test the Cru with the deep ball. 

  1. Coaching Chess Match

Peek and Alfarez offer a fascinating contrast—one a relative newcomer to the Dutch scene, the other a longtime fixture. Their ability to make in-game adjustments could define the outcome. 

X-Factors 

  • Martin Garriga (QB, Giants) – If he can extend drives and avoid turnovers, Groningen can keep it close. 
  • Mikhail Bruev (QB, Crusaders) – His ability to manage the game and hit timely passes will be critical, especially if Groningen loads the box. 
  • Jeffrey (LB, Crusaders) – A veteran with European League of Football (ELF) experience, he’ll be the tone-setter on defense. 
  • Giljs Wilke (RB/LB, Giants) – Plays both ways and has the explosiveness to shift momentum on a single play. 

Prediction 

It’s hard to bet against a team with 20 national titles and home-field advantage. The Crusaders have the pedigree, depth, and experience to control the clock and grind out a win. However, if Groningen’s young squad stays composed and can find success early, the Tulip Bowl could be much closer than expected. 

Final Score Prediction: Amsterdam Crusaders 27 – Groningen Giants 17 

But no matter the result, this game will mark a milestone. For Groningen, it’s a well-earned arrival on the national stage. For Amsterdam, it’s a chance to cement another chapter in their unmatched legacy. 

American Football International is your source for news and updates about American Football outside the United States!