Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 116: Halftime Analysis

Chapter 116: Halftime Analysis

The stadium buzzed with chatter from fans who were applauding the home side’s dominant performance.

The cameras panned across the pitch, capturing the contrasting emotions on their faces.

[Well, what a first half from AZ Alkmaar,] the first commentator began, his voice laced with admiration. [They’ve been all over Roda JC from the first whistle. Benjamin, Beerens, Altidore—everyone’s playing their part in this masterclass]

[Completely agree,] the second commentator chimed in. [Benjamin, especially. He’s been a revelation down that left flank, hasn’t he? His vision, and his pace—it’s caused all sorts of problems for Roda JC]

[And it’s not just Benjamin,] the first commentator added. [The entire midfield has been dictating the tempo. Adam and Martens are pulling the strings, and Henriksen’s movement has been exceptional. Roda JC just can’t cope with the intensity]

The screen transitioned to a replay of Benjamin weaving through two defenders earlier in the game.

[Look at this,] the first commentator continued. [The way he just glides past defenders—it’s like they’re not even there]

[And then that pass to Altidore toward the end of the half,] the second commentator said, as the replay shifted to the through ball that led to the shot hitting the post. [It deserved a goal. Unlucky for Altidore, but you can’t take anything away from Benjamin for setting it up]

[What about the penalty decision?] the first commentator asked, shifting gears. [Do you think the referee got it right?]

The second commentator hesitated before responding. [It’s one of those calls, isn’t it? There was contact, no doubt, but Beerens knew what he was doing. Still, you’ve got to be smarter as a defender in that situation. Once the referee pointed to the spot, there was no going back]

The screen now showed Altidore’s calm penalty conversion.

[And Altidore made no mistake,] the first commentator said. [What a finish from the American—power, precision, everything you want in a penalty]

[So, what does Roda JC need to do in the second half?] the second commentator asked, posing the question to his colleague.

[Honestly? They need to get out of their shell,] the first commentator replied. [Sitting back and trying to absorb pressure clearly isn’t working. They need to take more risks, maybe bring on some fresh legs to inject energy into the attack. If they don’t, this could get ugly... just like the 8-0 win against Heerenveen last weekend]

The camera panned to Gertjan Verbeek, who was walking down the tunnel with his usual focused expression.

[And for AZ Alkmaar?] the second commentator asked.

[More of the same,] the first commentator said without hesitation. [They’ve been brilliant, but they need that killer instinct to finish this game off. One goal from Roda JC, and the momentum could shift. They can’t afford to let their foot off the gas]

[Now, let’s talk about next weekend,] the second commentator said, steering the conversation. [AZ Alkmaar have a huge game against PSV in Eindhoven. That’s going to be a real test for this team]

[Absolutely,] the first commentator agreed. [PSV away is never easy, but if AZ Alkmaar can play like they did in the first half here, they’ll fancy their chances. A win there could be massive for their confidence and momentum heading into the second half of the campaign]

The screen showed highlights from PSV’s recent win against Utrecht, with their forwards tearing through the opposition’s defense.

[PSV are in good form themselves, though,] the second commentator pointed out. [Look at how sharp their attack has been. Memphis Depay, Dries Mertens, and Luciano Narsingh—they’ve got firepower all over the pitch]

[True,] the first commentator replied. [But AZ Alkmaar have shown they can handle pressure. They’re compact defensively, and their midfield’s been outstanding at controlling games. If they can keep PSV’s attackers quiet and take their chances, there’s no reason why they can’t come away with a result]

The camera cut back to the live shot of the stadium, where fans were filing out to grab refreshments during the halftime break.

[A win in Eindhoven wouldn’t just be three points, though, would it?] the second commentator said, leaning forward. [It’s a statement result. It tells the rest of the league, "We’re here, and we mean business"]

[Exactly,] the first commentator nodded. [And let’s not forget, AZ Alkmaar are still within touching distance of the top spot. A win at PSV could put them right in the title race. That’s the kind of result that can define a season]

The second commentator leaned back, his tone shifting slightly. [These are the kind of games that set the tone for the whole campaign. If they can string a few wins together, starting with Roda JC and then PSV, they’ll go into the winter break full of confidence]

[Couldn’t agree more,] the first commentator said. [This team has the talent, no doubt about it. The question is, can they maintain this level against tougher opposition? That’s what we’ll find out next weekend]

The screen transitioned back to the pitch, where the players were beginning to emerge from the tunnel for the second half.

[But before that, they’ve got to see this game out,] the second commentator reminded the viewers. [They’ve been brilliant in the first half, but there’s still 45 minutes to play. One slip-up, and Roda JC could be right back in it]

[And that’s why Gertjan Verbeek’s been pacing the touchline,] the first commentator added. [He knows this game isn’t over yet. If AZ Alkmaar want to make that trip to Eindhoven with their confidence intact, they need to finish the job here first]

The camera zoomed in on Benjamin, who was jogging back onto the pitch with a focused expression.

[And speaking of finishing the job, keep an eye on this young man in the second half,] the first commentator said, his tone tinged with excitement. [If Benjamin keeps playing like he did in the first 45, he could be the difference again]

[No doubt about it,] the second commentator agreed. [Let’s see if AZ Alkmaar can turn this dominant performance into three points and carry that momentum to Eindhoven next weekend]

Fweeeee!~

The referee blew his whistle to signal the start of the second half, and the stadium roared back to life.