Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 100: Second-half Begins 2

Chapter 100: Second-half Begins 2

The energy in the AFAS Stadion was electric, and every movement on the pitch was met with roars, groans, or applause from the packed stands.

AZ Alkmaar, trailing by a single goal, kept probing for opportunities, their attacking trio working tirelessly to break through Anzhi Makhachkala’s resolute defense.

[You can feel the desperation creeping into AZ Alkmaar’s play,] the lead commentator said, his voice steady but edged with anticipation. [They’ve had their chances, but time is running out]

[And with every missed opportunity, the pressure only grows,] the co-commentator replied. [But they can’t let that frustration get to them. Composure is key]

Henriksen, who was standing just inside the center circle, spotted Benjamin making another darting run down the left wing. He played a lofted ball which sailed over the heads of Anzhi Makhachkala’s backline, finding Benjamin in stride.

The young winger brought it down with his right foot, cutting inside before unleashing a curling effort towards the far post.

The crowd rose in unison, their collective breath held as the ball arched perfectly... only to be tipped wide by Gabulov’s outstretched fingers.

[What a save! Gabulov again! He’s like a one-man fortress out there,] the lead commentator exclaimed.

[That’s the third time tonight Benjamin’s tested him, and the third time Gabulov’s answered,] the co-commentator added. [You can see the disbelief on Benjamin’s face—what more can he do?]

On the touchline, AZ Alkmaar manager Gertjan Verbeek threw his hands in the air, frustration etched across his face.

The resulting corner was cleared easily by Anzhi Makhachkala, sparking a rapid counterattack from the away team.

Willian picked up the loose ball, dancing past one defender before threading a long pass to Traoré in the far right wing, who was already charging towards the 18-yard box.

[And here comes Anzhi Makhachkala! Willian’s vision there—absolutely sublime,] the lead commentator said, his voice rising with the speed of the break.

Traoré powered into the box, using his strength to hold off Gorter. Spotting Alvarado slightly off his line, he attempted a chipped finish.

The ball seemed destined for the back of the net, the traveling Anzhi Makhachkala fans already leaping in celebration... until it grazed the top of the crossbar and went out.

[Oh, he’s missed it! How has Traoré not scored there?] the lead commentator nearly shouted, his disbelief mirrored by the gasps of the crowd.

[That’s the kind of chance that haunts strikers. He did everything right until the finish. You can see Guus Hiddink’s reaction—he knows that could have sealed the game,] the co-commentator noted as the camera panned to the Anzhi Makhachkala bench, where Guus Hiddink had his head in his hands.

In the stands, AZ Alkmaar fans let out a collective sigh of relief, quickly followed by a surge of chants urging their team forward again.

The match resumed with a high intensity, the players on both sides chasing every ball like their lives depended on it.

AZ Alkmaar, fueled by the roaring support of their fans, pushed forward relentlessly. And Anzhi Makhachkala, though, were not content to sit back in defense, their quick counters were a constant threat.

In the 55th minute, a misplaced pass from Anzhi Makhachkala midfielder, Jucilei, sparked an opportunity for AZ Alkmaar.

Martens, who was alert, stepped in to intercept the ball just outside his own penalty area. His quick glance forward spotted Henriksen unmarked, and without hesitation, he sent a long pass his way.

[Martens reads the game so well, doesn’t he? Always a step ahead,] the lead commentator noted, his admiration evident.

[That’s what you want from your midfielders—anticipation and quick decisions. Now let’s see what Henriksen can do here,] the co-commentator added.

Henriksen controlled the ball deftly, scanning the pitch before launching a diagonal ball to Berghuis on the right flank.

The pass was perfectly executed, splitting Anzhi Makhachkala’s midfield and finding Berghuis in acres of space.

[Look at that pass! Henriksen has picked Berghuis out beautifully. AZ Alkmaar are on the break now,] the lead commentator exclaimed, leaning forward.

Berghuis surged down the wing, his eyes locked on the goal. He brought the ball down with his chest, but the bounce carried it slightly farther than he anticipated.

After adjusting quickly, he raced after it, only to be met by Joao Carlos, who came sliding in from behind.

The tackle clipped Berghuis’ heels, sending him tumbling to the ground just yards outside the 18-yard box.

Fweeeeee!~

The referee’s whistle cut through the noise, halting the action.

The AZ Alkmaar fans erupted in a mix of outrage and anticipation as the referee jogged over, his hand already reaching into his pocket.

[Oh, that’s a cynical one from Joao Carlos. He had no intention of getting the ball there,] the lead commentator said, his tone sharp.

[Berghuis had him beaten for pace, and Carlos knew it. It’s a risky challenge, and now he’s in the book,] the co-commentator added as the referee brandished a yellow card.

The camera zoomed in on Joao Carlos, who raised his hands in protest, shaking his head. Behind him, Berghuis was back on his feet, dusting himself off and gesturing towards the referee, demanding further punishment.

[The referee’s made his decision, and it’s an indirect free kick for AZ Alkmaar. This is a dangerous position—it’s right near the 18- yard box,] the lead commentator analyzed.

[And with the way AZ Alkmaar have been testing Gabulov tonight, you wouldn’t bet against them making something happen here,] the co-commentator chimed in.

The AZ Alkmaar players gathered around the ball, discussing their options. Henriksen stood over it, his body language calm but focused.

The wall was being formed, Gabulov barking instructions as he carefully positioned his defenders.

[Big moment here. Can AZ Alkmaar finally find a way past Gabulov?] the lead commentator asked, the tension in his voice matching the atmosphere in the stadium.

The fans in the stands were on their feet, their chants echoing through the night air. On the sidelines, Gertjan Verbeek paced anxiously.

As Henriksen stepped up to take the free kick, the stadium fell into an almost eerie silence.

Every eye was glued to the ball, every breath held in anticipation of what would come next.