Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 102: A Counter-attack

Chapter 102: A Counter-attack

Fweeeee!

The shrill sound of the referee’s whistle cut through the charged atmosphere in the 70th minute, after the ball went out of play for a throw-in.

A brief pause settled over the stadium as players and fans alike took a moment to catch their breath. The ball had just rolled out of play near the halfway line, signaling a series of substitutions.

[Looks like we’re going to see some fresh legs now,] the lead commentator said, his tone steadying after the excitement of the last sequence.

[No surprises here. Both managers know this is crunch time, and they’re bringing on reinforcements,] the co-commentator replied, keenly observing the activity on the sidelines.

The fourth official stood on the sideline with his electronic board in hand as the changes were announced.

[For AZ Alkmaar, Steven Berghuis makes way for Roy Beerens. Adam Maher comes on for Viktor Elm, and that’s their second substitution of the evening. And here comes Mathias Johansson, replacing the booked Gorter]

[That’s all three changes for AZ Alkmaar. Gertjan Verbeek’s going for energy and experience now,] the co-commentator analyzed.

[And you can see the strategy behind it. Beerens and Adam bring creativity, while Johansson solidifies the backline. It’s a bold but calculated move,] the lead commentator agreed.

On the Anzhi Makhachkala bench, Guus Hiddink made his own adjustments. The towering João Carlos came off, replaced by the younger Logashov.

Midfielder Jucilei came out for Kamil Agalarov and Ewerton also made way for Andrey Eshchenko. The players shook their heads slightly as they walked off.

[Guus Hiddink’s rolling the dice, too. Logashov’s in to shore up the defense, but it’s interesting to see Jucilei subbed out. They’re losing some control in midfield,] the lead commentator remarked.

[It’s a gamble, no doubt. But with the pace of this game, fresher legs might just make the difference,] his co-commentator countered.

As the substitutions were completed, the players exchanged quick words with their replacements. Berghuis patted Beerens on the back, whispering something that drew a nod.

On the other side, João Carlos gestured animatedly to Logashov, pointing toward the AZ Alkmaar wingers as if giving last-minute instructions.

The referee checked his watch, glanced at both benches, and blew his whistle to resume play.

[Right, all set for the final stretch. Let’s see who takes the initiative now,] the lead commentator said, his voice laced with anticipation.

The ball was back in play, and immediately, the fresh substitutes made their presence felt.

Beerens sprinted with the ball down the right wing, his quick feet unpredictable as he evaded a sliding challenge from Logashov before passing the ball to Adam.

Adam, who was stationed centrally, orchestrated the midfield, pinging a pinpoint pass out wide to Benjamin in the left wing, who drew audible gasps from the crowd with a cheeky nutmeg on the fresh substitute, Andrey Eshchenko.

[Benjamin’s flair is something else. He’s making that left flank his playground tonight, regardless of his merker] the co-commentator said, a chuckle escaping him.

[He’s got confidence for days. And with Henriksen and Adam pulling the strings, AZ Alkmaar look even more dangerous now,] the lead commentator added.

Benjamin’s cross into the box was cleared out by Samba, and Anzhi Makhachkala, bolstered by their substitutions, mounted a counter-attack.

Lacina Traoré muscled past Johansson, but the AZ Alkmaar defender recovered quickly, forcing the ball out for a throw-in.

The game’s intensity ramped up with every passing minute, the crowd feeding off the energy on the pitch.

[You can feel the stakes in every touch, and every challenge,] the co-commentator said, his voice nearly drowned out by the chants echoing through the AFAS Stadion.

[This is what football is all about. Passion, drama, and everything on the line. Who’s going to seize the moment before the final whistle?] the lead commentator asked, his tone resonating with the tension gripping the stadium.

***

Fweeeee!

The referee’s whistle pierced through the noise, signaling a corner for AZ Alkmaar in the 74th minute.

The crowd roared their approval as the home side’s players gathered near the penalty area, eager to capitalize on the set piece.

[Another chance here for AZ Alkmaar,] the lead commentator said, his voice brimming with excitement. [They’ve looked dangerous from these all night]

[Absolutely. With players like Altidore, Martens and Viergever in the box, anything can happen,] the co-commentator agreed.

Benjamin jogged over to the corner flag, wiping his hands on his shorts before placing the ball carefully. He stepped back, taking a moment to assess the crowded penalty area.

[It’s Benjamin’s to take. Watch for Altidore and Viergever—they’ve been getting on the end of these deliveries all game,] the lead commentator noted.

Benjamin whipped in a curling cross, the ball spinning viciously as it sailed toward the penalty spot. Players leapt into the air with their limbs flying about as they battled for the ball.

[It’s a good delivery, right into the mix! Who’s getting to it?]

Logashov rose highest, his timing perfect, and sent a powerful header away from danger. The clearance soared out, a few yards away from the 18-yard box.

[Logashov with a crucial intervention! That’s exactly why Guus Hiddink brought him on,] the co-commentator remarked.

But as most of AZ Alkmaar’s players had pushed forward for the corner, and their defensive line was exposed. The clearance fell to Willian, who had positioned himself cleverly on the edge of the AZ Alkmaar box.

[And here comes Willian! AZ need to get back—this could be trouble,] the lead commentator warned.

Reijnen tried to block his path, throwing his body into a physical challenge, but Willian shrugged him after much effort. The Brazilian’s agility and strength were on full display as he surged forward with the ball glued to his feet.

[Willian’s on the move! He’s beaten Reijnen, and now he’s got acres of space ahead of him!]

The crowd gasped, a collective intake of breath as Willian sprinted towards the halfway line. AZ Alkmaar’s defenders scrambled to recover, but their midfield was nowhere to be seen.

[Look at that pace! He’s like a man possessed,] the co-commentator said, almost in awe.