Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 117: Triple Quickfire 1

Chapter 117: Triple Quickfire 1

The second half kicked off with AZ Alkmaar picking up right where they left off, pressing high and keeping Roda JC pinned in their own half. The commentators quickly picked up the action.

[They’ve come out with the same deadly intent,] the first commentator remarked as the camera focused on Martens stealing possession near the center circle. [No signs of complacency from AZ Alkmaar, and that’s exactly what Gertjan Verbeek would’ve wanted]

[Exactly,] the second commentator agreed. [You can see how tight their structure is, especially in midfield. Henriksen, Martens, and Adam—they’re everywhere in the middle of the park, cutting off passing lanes and forcing Roda JC into mistakes]

The screen showed a quick one-two between Benjamin and Altidore, with Benjamin darting down the left flank again.

[Here he goes again,] the first commentator said, his voice rising. [Benjamin’s pace is electric. Look at the space he’s created in front]

Benjamin’s cross curled toward the back post, where Beerens rose to meet it. The header was powerful, but the Roda JC goalkeeper reacted brilliantly to palm it away.

[What a save! You’ve got to give credit to the goalkeeper there,] the second commentator exclaimed. [But once again, it’s Benjamin causing all sorts of problems down that wing]

The replay on the huge stadium screen highlighted Benjamin’s movement, and his quick feet leaving the Roda JC defender flat-footed.

[He’s a nightmare to defend against,] the first commentator said, shaking his head in amazement. [It’s not just the unnatural pace he possesses—it’s the timing of his runs and the quality of his delivery. Every time he gets the ball, you feel like something’s going to happen]

Roda JC tried to respond with a rare counterattack, but AZ Alkmaar’s defense held firm.

Gorter intercepted a dangerous ball on the left defensive wing of AZ Alkmaar half. He calmly playing it out to Martens, who immediately looked forward.

[And that’s the difference between this two teams?] the second commentator noted. [AZ Alkmaar are so disciplined at the back. They’re not just attacking well—they’re defending as a unit, making it almost impossible for Roda JC to find any rhythm and string in passes]

[That’s the hallmark of a good team,] the first commentator replied. [Scoring goals isn’t all there is to it. Controlling every aspect of the game matters a lot, and AZ Alkmaar are doing just that]

As the game progressed, Roda JC began to look more frustrated. Their passes grew sloppier, and their challenges became more desperate.

[They’re starting to lose their discipline,] the second commentator observed as a Roda JC midfielder picked up a yellow card for a late tackle on Martens. [And who can blame them? AZ Alkmaar are running circles around them]

The ball found its way back to Benjamin, who once again took on his marker with a quick burst of speed.

This time, he cut inside, weaving past two defenders before unleashing a curling shot toward the top corner.

[Oh, what an effort!] the first commentator shouted as the ball narrowly missed the target, grazing the crossbar on its way over. [He deserves a goal for that. Brilliant play from the youngster]

[You can see the confidence oozing from him,] the second commentator added. [He’s clearly enjoying himself out there. And when a player like Benjamin is in this kind of form, it’s a joy to watch]

As the clock ticked towards the 60th minute, AZ Alkmaar continued to dominate the game.

The commentators couldn’t help but return to the upcoming clash against PSV.

[You watch this performance, and you think—can they replicate it against PSV?] the first commentator mused.

[That’s the big question, isn’t it?] the second commentator replied. [This is a different level of dominance, but Eindhoven’s a whole other challenge. If they can carry this energy and precision into next weekend, though, PSV will have their hands full]

The stadium erupted as Altidore latched onto a through ball and slotted it past the goalkeeper, making it 3-0.

The play started deep in AZ Alkmaar’s half, with Reijnen reading the danger and stepping in to intercept a hopeful long ball from Roda JC.

He nudged it to Martens, who immediately scanned the field for options.

[Look at this from Reijnen,] the first commentator said, the replay showing his perfectly timed interception. [That’s what you want from your center-back—anticipation and aerial clearance]

[But watch Martens here,] the second commentator chimed in as the screen shifted to the midfielder. [Head up, and already thinking two steps ahead. This is what AZ Alkmaar does so well—transitioning from defense to attack in a matter of seconds]

Martens took two touches before threading a diagonal pass to Adam Maher, who was stationed just inside the center circle. Adam controlled it effortlessly, then turned, shrugging off a Roda JC midfielder.

[Adam’s movement there is brilliant,] the first commentator noted. [He’s so composed under pressure, and always looking to drive the play forward]

As Adam advanced, Benjamin darted into space down the left flank, signaling for the ball.

The crowd’s anticipation grew as Adam spotted him and released a lobbed pass that soared over Roda JC’s midfield.

[Here we go,] the second commentator said, his voice rising. [Benjamin’s in acres of space. Let’s see what happens next]

Benjamin didn’t break stride, taking the ball in his path with a soft first touch. His marker tried to close him down, but a quick body feint sent the defender the wrong way.

With a burst of acceleration, Benjamin stormed down the line with the ball glued to his feet.

[He’s been doing this all game,] the first commentator said as Benjamin neared the edge of the box. [You just can’t stop him when he’s in this kind of form]

Instead of whipping in a cross, Benjamin cut inside, drawing another defender toward him. This created a gap in the Roda JC backline that Altidore exploited with a perfectly timed run to beat the offside flag.

Benjamin spotted it instantly, threading a low, through ball between the defenders.

[That’s a killer pass! What vision from Benjamin,] the second commentator exclaimed, leaning into his microphone.

The ball rolled perfectly into Altidore’s path, splitting the center-backs.

Altidore didn’t hesitate, taking one touch to set himself before calmly slotting it past the advancing goalkeeper and into the bottom corner.

[Goal! Altidore makes it 3-0 to seal his hat-trick, and it’s all about the buildup,] the first commentator roared as the stadium erupted in celebration.

[Look at the composure from Altidore, but credit to Benjamin for that assist,] the second commentator added. [That was a moment of brilliance. He saw the space, read the movement, and executed it perfectly]

[Every part of this goal is a lesson in teamwork,] the first commentator said. [From the defensive read to the clinical finish, AZ Alkmaar are showing exactly why they’re one of the most exciting teams in the league right now]