Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 103: Bleak Circumstances 1

Chapter 103: Bleak Circumstances 1

Willian’s strides were relentless, each one eating up the turf as he stormed past the halfway line. His eyes stayed locked on the goal, the space ahead of him opening up like a clear runway.

[This is dangerous now! AZ Alkmaar have left themselves wide open,] the lead commentator exclaimed, his voice rising with urgency.

Alvarado was already off his line, gesturing wildly and shouting instructions to his retreating defenders.

But Willian was too quick, too sharp, leaving them in his wake as he closed in on the edge of the 18-yard box.

[Alvarado’s coming out! He knows he has to do something, but is it too late?]

Willian’s foot hovered above the ball, ready to unleash a shot that could decide the game.

The crowd’s roar reached a deafening pitch, their collective anticipation teetering on the edge of chaos.

And then—

[A brilliant challenge! Reijnen comes flying in from behind!]

From out of nowhere, Reijnen had made up the ground. He lunged forward and his outstretched boot connected with the ball first, sending it skidding away to safety.

Willian was caught mid-stride and went sprawling onto the turf, clutching his ankle and the referee’s whistle pierced through the chaos.

Fweeeeee!!!

The stadium froze, the cheers and gasps replaced by a sharp collective silence from both supporters.

Reijnen got to his feet slowly, his eyes darting toward the referee, whose hand was already reaching into his pocket.

[Oh no, this could be trouble for Reijnen,] the lead commentator said, his voice tense.

[Well, he was the last man. If the referee sees this as denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity, Reijnen’s day could be over,] the co-commentator replied, his tone measured but firm.

The referee jogged toward the scene, his breathing heavy from keeping pace, but his decision was swift. Without hesitation, he pulled out a red card and held it aloft.

[It’s a red! Reijnen’s off! The referee didn’t even think twice,] the lead commentator exclaimed.

[And you can see why. He got the ball, but the follow-through took Willian out. The rules are clear—last-man challenge, it’s an instant dismissal,] the co-commentator explained, his voice cutting through the stunned murmurs of the crowd.

Reijnen stood frozen for a moment, disbelief etched across his face. He gestured toward the referee, pointing at the ball, but the decision was final. His teammates rushed over, some pleading, others shaking their heads in frustration.

[Reijnen can argue all he wants, but that’s a straightforward call for the referee,] the lead commentator added.

Willian was still on the ground, wincing as his teammates helped him up. Meanwhile, the referee pointed to the spot just outside the 18-yard box, signaling a direct free kick for Anzhi Makhachkala.

[This is a nightmare for AZ Alkmaar. Not only are they down to ten men, but now they’ve got to defend a free kick from a deadly position,] the co-commentator said, his voice carrying the weight of the moment.

As Reijnen trudged off the pitch, Gertjan Verbeek gave him a pat to the back, while the home fans gave him a mix of applause and sympathetic shouts, recognizing his effort but knowing the consequences.

[He gave everything for that challenge, but now AZ Alkmaar will have to dig deep to hold on,] the lead commentator noted.

The Anzhi Makhachkala players gathered around the ball, Willian limping slightly but nodding to his teammates. Zhirkov and Shatov exchanged quick words, deciding who would take the free kick.

[It’s Zhirkov and Shatov standing over it. This could be the moment for Anzhi Makhachkala to capitalize,] the lead commentator said, his voice rising with anticipation.

The AZ Alkmaar wall formed hurriedly, Alvarado barking orders and gesturing wildly to set a blockade.

[This is the kind of situation that defines games. One kick, one chance to change everything,] the co-commentator added, his tone laced with excitement as the tension reached its peak.

Zhirkov and Shatov positioned themselves on either side of the ball, their postures calm but focused.

The crowd’s roar softened to a murmur, and the tension palpable as fans leaned forward in their seats to get a better view on the action.

[Look at this setup. Shatov and Zhirkov at different angles—Alvarado won’t know who’s taking this,] the lead commentator remarked.

[It’s smart. This kind of misdirection can completely unnerve the defense,] the co-commentator agreed.

Fweeeee!

The whistle blew, and both players began their run-up.

Shatov, who was slightly ahead, shaped his body as if to strike the ball, prompting the AZ Alkmaar wall to leap instinctively. The timing was perfect.

[Shatov steps up—wait, it’s a dummy! Zhirkov’s taking it!] the lead commentator cried out, his voice brimming with excitement.

The AZ Alkmaar wall was still mid-air when Zhirkov, who was following behind Shatov latched onto the ball with a powerful curling strike.

The ball arced beautifully, slicing through the air as it sailed past the scrambling defenders.

[Oh, what a hit from the Russian! It’s heading for the top corner!]

Alvarado was caught off guard by Shatov’s feint, and could only watch, rooted to the spot as the ball clipped the underside of the crossbar.

CLANG!!!

The sharp metallic clang echoed through the stadium before the ball nestled into the back of the net.

[GOAL!!! What a stunning free kick from Zhirkov!]

GOOAAAAALLLLLL!!!~

The away fans erupted in joyous celebration, a sea of gold and green scarves waving in unison as they celebrated wildly.

The Anzhi Makhachkala bench leapt to their feet, the players and staff rushing to the edge of their technical area with their arms raised in triumph.

Guus Hiddink punched the air, a rare display of emotion from the experienced manager.

[That’s pure class from Zhirkov! The execution, the precision—Alvarado had absolutely no chance of getting to it] the co-commentator marveled.

On the other side, the AZ Alkmaar bench sat in stunned silence. Gertjan Verbeek crossed his arms, and his expression unreadable, though the tension in his jaw betrayed his frustration.

[You have to feel for Alvarado there. He’s been outstanding all game, but the deception from Shatov and the finish from Zhirkov were simply unstoppable,] the lead commentator said.