Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 118: Triple Quickfire 2

Chapter 118: Triple Quickfire 2

[And now it’s 3-0,] the first commentator said, the noise in the stadium still deafening. [AZ Alkmaar are making a statement tonight, and next weekend’s clash against PSV is looking even more mouthwatering]

Benjamin jogged back to the halfway line with a calm face, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of satisfaction.

The home crowd was on its feet, the noise rolling around the stadium in waves as the replay looped on the giant screen.

[You can’t ask for better football than this,] the first commentator said, his voice still brimming with excitement. [It’s not just individual brilliance; it’s the understanding, the chemistry between the players. They’re in perfect sync tonight]

[And let’s not forget the man of the moment—Altidore,] the second commentator chimed in. [Three goals, three different types of finishes. That’s a striker at the peak of his game]

The game resumed, but the tempo hadn’t slowed.

AZ Alkmaar continued to press for more goals, Benjamin once again found himself on the ball, this time deeper in his own half. He exchanged quick passes with the left-back Gorter and Adam, keeping the momentum alive.

[What I love about Benjamin’s game is how versatile he is,] the first commentator noted. [He’s not just about pace and flair. Look at him dropping back to help with the buildup]

[And also his decision-making too,] the second commentator added. [he knows when to push forward, when to hold back—he’s reading the game so well for someone so young]

Roda JC tried to mount a response, pushing numbers forward in desperation. But their attack was disjointed, and easily broken down by AZ Alkmaar’s midfield trio.

Henriksen won the ball and immediately sent a lofted pass down the right to Beerens.

Beerens controlled it on the run, cutting inside to avoid a challenge before unleashing a powerful shot towards goal.

The ball flew towards the near post, but sailed just wide, brushing the side netting.

[That could’ve been four! Beerens is so dangerous when he cuts inside like that,] the first commentator exclaimed.

[But look at how quickly AZ Alkmaar transitions,] the second commentator pointed out. [It’s relentless. Roda JC just can’t breathe. Every time they lose the ball, AZ Alkmaar is straight back at them]

The clock ticked past the 63rd minute, and the energy on the pitch remained high.

Benjamin received the ball again, this time near the corner flag. He faced his marker, shimmying left and right before delivering a teasing cross into the box.

Herinkson with a rare goalscoring opportunity leapt for it, his header forcing another acrobatic save from the Roda JC keeper.

[He’s keeping the scoreline respectable, at least,] the first commentator said with a chuckle. [But how much longer can he hold on?]

[AZ Alkmaar are literally toying with them now,] the second commentator replied. [The floodgates are creaking, and you feel like there’s more to come]

Just as the commentators predicted, AZ Alkmaar pressed forward once again.

However, a misplaced pass from Gorter on the left wing—meant to release Beerens on the right wing—gave Roda JC their first real break of the game.

The weak clearance only reached the halfway line, landing at the feet of Roda JC’s central midfielder, van der Laan.

[And here’s a chance for Roda JC,] the first commentator said, his tone sharpening. [Gorter’s clearance didn’t have enough on it, and van der Laan has time to look up]

Van der Laan controlled the ball with his chest, scanning the field quickly before driving forward.

AZ Alkmaar’s midfield scrambled to close him down, but he slipped the ball into the path of his teammate, El Makrini, just outside the box.

[This is better from Roda JC,] the second commentator observed. [For the first time tonight, they’re stringing a few passes together]

El Makrini turned sharply, evading a challenge from Martens, and threaded a low pass to Rosheuvel on the right flank. The winger took a quick touch to steady himself, then whipped in a dangerous cross.

[Rosheuvel’s delivery is excellent! Look at this,] the first commentator shouted as the ball curled toward the penalty spot.

The Roda JC striker, Pluim, timed his run perfectly, rising above AZ Alkmaar’s defenders to meet the ball with a firm header. It flew toward the bottom corner with pace, drawing a collective gasp from the crowd.

[Oh, that’s heading in! What a header—] the first commentator’s voice peaked.

But Alvarado, AZ Alkmaar’s goalkeeper, reacted brilliantly. He dived low to his right, stretching every inch to parry the ball away with a strong hand.

CLANG!!!

The ball ricocheted off the post before Marcellis hurriedly cleared it to safety.

[What a save from Esteban Alvarado! Incredible reflexes to keep his clean sheet intact,] the second commentator exclaimed. [That’s a top-class stop, and it had to be. That header was destined for the bottom corner]

The replay showed Alvarado’s lightning-quick reaction, his fingers just brushing the ball enough to redirect it.

[You’ve got to feel for Pluim,] the first commentator said, shaking his head. [He did everything right—perfect timing, great placement—but Alvarado was equal to it]

Roda JC’s bench applauded the effort, but frustration was evident on the players’ faces. This was their best chance of the match, and they knew it.

[That was their moment, wasn’t it?] the second commentator asked. [They haven’t had many, and when you’re playing against a team like AZ Alkmaar, you’ve got to take those chances]

[Exactly,] the first commentator replied. [And you can see AZ Alkmaar’s defenders regrouping quickly. They know they dodged a bullet there]

The match resumed with AZ Alkmaar back in possession, their composure remained unshaken by the scare.

Benjamin received the ball on the left and immediately began driving forward, determined to make up for the lapse that led to Roda JC’s opportunity.

[And just like that, AZ Alkmaar are back on the front foot,] the first commentator said, his voice steady again. [This team doesn’t rest. They don’t dwell on mistakes. They just keep going]

[That’s why they’re one of the best sides in the league,] the second commentator concluded. [Moments like that don’t faze them. It’s relentless, high-quality football from start to finish]