Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 120: Triple Quickfire 4

Chapter 120: Triple Quickfire 4

Benjamin adjusted his socks as he jogged back into position, taking in the cheers of the crowd. His grin lingered despite the chaos of the last sequence.

He could feel the momentum building, and the relentless waves of his teams attack crashing against Roda JC’s defenses like an unstoppable tide.

[It’s moments like that test your composure, don’t they?] the first commentator mused. [For a young player like Benjamin, it’s invaluable experience. He’s right at the heart of everything tonight]

[He’s got the instinct to capitalize on chaos,] the second commentator agreed. [That second delivery? Pinpoint. He just needed someone to finish it off]

Fweeee!

The match restarted with Roda JC attempting to slow the tempo, passing the ball around the back line to regain their footing.

The goalkeeper hesitated before launching a long ball forward, but Marcellis rose unchallenged to head it back into midfield.

Henriksen controlled the clearance with his chest and immediately sent the ball wide to Gorter, who surged forward on the left flank.

[AZ Alkmaar aren’t letting up,] the first commentator said. [They’re straight back into attack mode. It’s like they can smell blood]

Gorter sent a diagonal ground pass to Benjamin, who had drifted wide again. With a single touch, he brought the ball under control and turned to face his marker. The crowd rose, sensing another moment of magic.

[Benjamin, one-on-one. This is where he’s dangerous,] the second commentator noted, his tone sharpening.

Benjamin feinted to the left, drawing the defender off balance, before bursting down the right with an electric turn of pace. He reached the byline and delivered a fizzing cross into the six-yard box.

[Another great ball in—who’s there?] the first commentator shouted.

The cross zipped past Altidore’s outstretched boot and evaded Beerens at the back post by inches.

[So close! How did no one get a touch on that?] the second commentator exclaimed, his voice tinged with disbelief.

The ball rolled harmlessly out for a Roda JC goal kick, and Benjamin threw his hands up in frustration before clapping them together, urging his teammates to keep pushing.

[That’s been the story of the second half, hasn’t it?] the first commentator said. [AZ Alkmaar creating chance after chance, but they just can’t find that killer fourth goal]

[But you have to credit Roda JC’s resilience,] the second commentator countered. [They’re throwing everything they’ve got into keeping this scoreline respectable]

The goalkeeper took the goal kick quickly, hoping to catch AZ Alkmaar out of position, but Henriksen intercepted the long ball with ease.

He nudged it forward to Adam Maher, who spun away from his marker and looked up for options.

Benjamin made a darting run toward the corner flag, signaling for the ball. Adam spotted him and threaded a perfectly weighted pass into his path.

[Benjamin again, causing problems on that left side,] the first commentator said.

The defender rushed to close him down, but Benjamin stopped the ball dead with a clever step-over, forcing his opponent to overcommit. In a flash, he cut inside, darting toward the edge of the box.

[Here he goes! Benjamin’s got space!] the second commentator shouted.

With the defenders backpedaling, Benjamin unleashed a thunderous strike with his right foot. The ball sliced through the air with a wicked curve, like a missile destined for destruction.

[What a hit—] the first commentator began, but his words were drowned out by the roar of the crowd as the ball slammed into the crossbar with a deafening thud.

CLANG!!!

[Oh my word! That was an absolute rocket!] the second commentator yelled. [So close to a wonder goal from Benjamin!]

The rebound fell to Beerens, who tried to steer a first-time shot on target, but the goalkeeper was alert, diving low to smother the effort.

[What does Benjamin have to do to score tonight?] the first commentator asked, half-laughing. [That shot would’ve taken the net off if it was just an inch lower!]

[And look at him—he’s already backtracking to defend,] the second commentator pointed out. [This kid doesn’t stop. He’s got the hunger, the drive. It’s infectious.]

As the minutes passed by, the energy in the stadium remained electric. Benjamin continued to spearhead AZ Alkmaar’s attacks from the left wing, and his every touch drew cheers from the home crowd.

[One thing’s for sure,] the first commentator said, his voice filled with admiration. [Benjamin’s performance tonight is going to be rated 10/10—goal or no goal]

Fweee!

The referee’s whistle pierced through the air, signaling a throw-in for Roda JC deep in their half.

On the sideline, Gertjan Verbeek wasted no time in signaling to the fourth official, his fingers moved in quick succession as he barked out instructions to his coaching staff.

[Looks like Gertjan Verbeek’s making some changes,] the first commentator observed. [And honestly, it’s about time. His front line’s been brilliant but looks like they’re running on fumes now]

[He’s got PSV coming up in a few days,] the second commentator added. [It’s a smart move. You can’t burn your key players out before such an intense game]

Fweeee!

The ball went out of play for another throw-in, and the referee blew his whistle.

On the touchline, substitutes jogged to the edge while stretching and adjusting their socks.

The fourth official raised the electronic board, and its neon lights flickered against the evening sky.

[No. 17 Jozy Altidore out, No. 20 Aron Johannsson in]

[No. 23 Roy Beerens out, No. 22 Steven Berghuis in]

[No. 19 Markus Henriksen out, No. 10 William Overtoom in]

[There we go,] the first commentator said.

[Aron Johannsson comes in for Jozy Altidore, and that’s his first game of the season. That’s one American off, another one on. And Berghuis, another rising talent in AZ Alkmaar folds, gets his chance. Henriksen makes way for Overtoom—he hasn’t been in the lineup much recently, has he?]

[Overtoom’s been in the shadows after a couple of shaky performances earlier this season,] the second commentator chimed in. [But we know what he’s capable of. If Gertjan Verbeek’s bringing him on, it’s because he thinks he can make a difference tonight]