Netherlands beats Team Belgium for 1st win since 2015

By John Mahnen

In a thrilling clash between neighboring nations, the Netherlands, aka the Dutch Lions, claimed a decisive 24-14 victory over the Belgium, the Belgian Barbarians, in an international American football matchup held in Izegem, Belgium. Both teams showcased good talent and determination, but the Lions’ efficient playmaking and stout defense proved the difference.

The game opened with a missed 30-yard field goal attempt by the Dutch Lions, but they quickly regrouped. Sidney Kunst broke through the Barbarians’ defense for a 15-yard touchdown run, with Mas Prevoo adding the extra point to give the Lions an early 7-0 lead. However, the Barbarians answered in spectacular fashion when Arkadi Meerschout sprinted 80 yards for a game-tying touchdown, capped by a successful kick from Hadrien Godichal.

The Dutch Lions seized control in the second quarter, starting with a 27-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jasper Nijland to wide receiver Robin Merjenburgh. Prevoo’s consistent kicking extended the lead to 14-7. Later in the quarter, Prevoo nailed a 20-yard field goal, giving the Lions a 17-7 advantage heading into halftime.

After a scoreless third quarter, the Lions capitalized on a special teams miscue by the Barbarians in the fourth quarter. A scrimmage kick snap gone awry was recovered in the end zone by Floris Akova, with Prevoo adding the extra point to extend the lead to 24-7. The Barbarians attempted a late-game comeback when Erick Hiernaux hauled in a 39-yard touchdown pass from Tommi Khodir, narrowing the gap to 24-14, but it was too little, too late.

Final Score: Dutch Lions 24, Belgian Barbarians 14

Scoring Summary

Belgian Barbarians (BB ) vs. Dutch Lions (DL)
November 23, 15:00 CET
Izegem, Belgium

Q1 DL missed 30 yard FG
Q1 DL Sidney Kunst 15 yard run, Mas Prevoo kick 0-7
Q1 BB Arkadi Meerschout 80 yard run, Hadrien Godichal kick 7-7
Q2 DL Robin Merjenburgh 27 yard pass from Jasper Nijland, Prevoo kick 7-14
Q2 DL Mas Prevoo 20 yard FG 7-17
Q4 DL scrimmage kick snap recovered in end zone by Floris Akova, Prevoo kick 24-7
Q4 BB Erick Hiernaux 39 yard pass from Tommi Khodir 14-24
[20:31, 2024-11-23] Fred Armstrong: “The first win since 2015 for the Dutch Lions is done. We look forward to Ireland and Turkey next fall to see who goes up to the A group. Great team win in hard conditions”