Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 115: Two-up And Halftime

Chapter 115: Two-up And Halftime

The match resumed with AZ Alkmaar riding on the momentum of their opening goal.

The home fans were in full voice, and their energy seemingly transferred onto the pitch as the home side continued their relentless pressure.

Benjamin, who was buzzing with confidence after his assist, darted down the left flank again, this time weaving between two defenders before cutting inside.

He spotted Beerens making a run toward the far post and chipped an inviting ball over the defense.

[Benjamin is unstoppable today,] the first commentator said, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. [Every time he gets on the ball, you feel something is going to happen]

[And that vision! Look at the beauty of that pass,] the second commentator added. [Beerens just couldn’t get the final touch, but Benjamin’s been a constant threat]

Roda JC barely had time to breathe. Every clearance they managed was met with another wave of AZ Alkmaar pressure.

Martens and Adam dictated the tempo in midfield, cutting off Roda JC’s counterattacks before they could even begin.

[It’s suffocating football from AZ Alkmaar,] the first commentator remarked. [They’re not just controlling possession for the sake of it—they’re completely dictating every aspect of this game]

[And look at Roda JC’s body language,] the second commentator said, noting the visitors’ fatigue. [Their players look drained, and we’re only halfway through the first half. AZ Alkmaar are running them ragged]

In the 30th minute, AZ Alkmaar nearly doubled their lead.

A quick one-two between Henriksen and Beerens unlocked the defense, allowing Altidore to surge into the box.

His low, driven shot was heading for the bottom corner, but the Roda JC goalkeeper made another stunning save, diving full stretch to tip it wide.

[What a save! That was top-class,] the first commentator exclaimed as the crowd groaned in disbelief.

[You have to credit the goalkeeper for keeping Roda JC in this game,] the second commentator added. [AZ Alkmaar could easily be three or four up by now if not for his heroics]

The resulting corner saw Benjamin step up again. He delivered another pinpoint cross, this time finding the towering figure of Viergever.

The center-back’s header was powerful but flew narrowly over the bar.

[Another close call! Viergever so close to making it two,] the first commentator said, shaking his head.

[AZ Alkmaar are relentless,] the second commentator replied. [If they keep this up, it’s only a matter of time before the second goal comes]

The home side’s dominance was absolute, and their 80% possession and 15 goal attempts to Roda JC’s 0 reflected the lopsided nature of the game.

Gertjan Verbeek, who was pacing the technical area, looked satisfied but still urged his players forward, signaling for more urgency in the final third.

[He knows one goal might not be enough,] the first commentator noted. [With football, it only takes one moment for the tide to turn]

[Exactly,] the second commentator agreed. [AZ Alkmaar need to put this game to bed while they’re on top. Otherwise, they might regret these missed chances later]

As the first half entered its final five minutes, AZ Alkmaar launched one more attack.

Benjamin, once again at the heart of it, picked up the ball near the halfway line. He drove forward with deadly intent, evading two sliding challenges before releasing a perfectly timed through ball to Altidore.

[Benjamin’s done it again! What a pass to Altidore,] the first commentator shouted as the striker bore down on goal.

The American Striker steadied himself, firing a shot low and hard toward the bottom corner.

The stadium held its breath as the ball sailed past the keeper—only to ricochet off the post and out.

CLANG!!!

[Oh, how unlucky! Altidore hits the post,] the second commentator groaned as the crowd let out a collective sigh.

[But what a run from Benjamin to set that up,] the first commentator said. [He’s been a standout performer in this first half]

The rebounded ball rolled toward the right edge of the 18-yard box, where Beerens and a Roda JC defender sprinted toward it.

The crowd’s anticipation rose as both players converged.

Beerens was slightly ahead and reached it first, poking the ball just ahead of the defender’s outstretched leg which clumsily brought him down.

Beerens went down while clutching his shin, just inside the box.

Fweeeee!

The referee’s whistle cut through the noise, and his arm decisively pointed to the penalty spot.

[Oh, the referee’s given it! Penalty for AZ Alkmaar!] the first commentator shouted, his voice filled with excitement.

[What do you think about that call?] the second commentator asked skeptically. [There’s going to be some debate about this one]

On the pitch, Roda JC’s players surrounded the referee, their arms flailing as they protested the decision.

The defender looked incredulous as he shook his head repeatedly, pointing to the ball as if to say he got there first.

[You can see why they’re upset,] the second commentator continued. [Was there enough contact to warrant a penalty? It’s one of those decisions that’ll split opinions]

[Well, Beerens certainly made the most of it,] the first commentator admitted. [But you can’t dive in recklessly like that in the box. The referee had a clear view, and he didn’t hesitate to point to the spot]

Amidst the chaos, Altidore calmly stepped forward to claim the ball. The forward placed it on the penalty spot, adjusting it carefully as the crowd roared in anticipation.

[Now, all the controversy aside, here’s a massive chance for AZ Alkmaar to double their lead,] the first commentator said.

[Pressure’s on Altidore,] the second commentator added. [He’s the man for moments like this, but let’s not forget the Roda JC goalkeeper’s been outstanding today]

Fweeee!

The referee blew his whistle, and the stadium fell silent.

Altidore took a deep breath, and then a short run-up before striking the ball low and hard toward the bottom right corner.

The Roda JC goalkeeper guessed correctly, diving to his right, but the shot had too much power and precision. The net rippled as the ball found its target.

[GOAL! Altidore doubles the lead and his goal contributions for AZ Alkmaar!] the first commentator exclaimed as the stadium erupted.

[Cool as you like! Altidore made no mistake from the spot,] the second commentator added. [That’s 2-0, and you have to say it’s fully deserved]

The AZ Alkmaar players rushed to celebrate with Altidore, while the Roda JC players trudged back pitifully toward the center circle.

[You’ve got to feel for Roda JC,] the second commentator said. [They’ve been under siege all game, and now they’ve got an even bigger mountain to climb]

[But credit to AZ Alkmaar,] the first commentator replied. [They’ve been relentless, and now they’ve got the cushion they’ve been pushing for]

The fans roared louder, their chants echoing around the stadium as the game restarted.

Fweeeee!~

With the first kick, the halftime whistle blew and the players made their way off the pitch.

[An incredible half from AZ Alkmaar,] the first commentator summarized. [They’ve been in complete control]

[And for Roda JC, it’s about survival,] the second commentator added. [They’ll need a miracle in the second half to turn this around]