Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 121: Triple Quickfire 5

Chapter 121: Triple Quickfire 5

As the substitutions were completed, the crowd applauded, and Gertjan Verbeek offered Altidore and Beerens pats on the back as they walked towards the bench.

Benjamin gave Berghuis a quick nod as he passed by, and already locking eyes with his new strike partner, Johannsson.

[This is a good chance for Johannsson to impress,] the first commentator noted. [He’s got fresh legs, and with the way Benjamin’s been playing, there are bound to be opportunities for him]

The Roda JC manager wasn’t idle either. Moments later, his substitutions followed. The fourth official raised the board again.

[No. 8 Sanharib Malki out, No. 15 Mitchel Paulissen in]

[No. 14 Bart Biemans out, No. 3 Ard van Peppen in]

[Well, this is interesting,] the second commentator said. [Roda JC’s making defensive substitutions here. Malki’s off, and they’re bringing on another center-back. It’s clear they’re trying to shut up shop]

[Not surprising,] the first commentator replied. [They’ve been under siege for most of this half. The manager’s just trying to limit the damage now]

Play resumed with a throw-in from Roda JC, but AZ Alkmaar pressed high, forcing a hurried clearance. Johannsson chased it down immediately, his fresh energy unsettling the defenders.

[And you can see the impact already,] the second commentator said. [Johannsson’s buzzing around up there. He’s giving Roda JC something else to think about]

The ball ricocheted into midfield, where Overtoom darted in to intercept. He controlled it expertly, turning on the spot to shield it from an oncoming challenge before spraying a pass out wide to Benjamin.

[Overtoom’s looking sharp already,] the first commentator remarked. [That’s what AZ Alkmaar needs—a bit more control in the middle of the park]

Benjamin took the ball in stride, his first touch immaculate as he surged down the left wing yet again. Behind him, Gertjan Verbeek clapped and yelled, spurring his players forward.

[Here we go again,] the second commentator said, his voice rising. [Benjamin’s been unstoppable tonight. Can he finally get that much-needed goal?]

Benjamin sprinted down the left flank with the ball glued to his feet as he glanced upfield.

A defender closed in on him, anticipating a predictable move to the outside. But Benjamin had other plans.

He slowed just enough to draw the marker closer, his body language hinting at a simple touch to the left.

Then, in a quick motion, he flicked the ball with the inside of his right foot toward his planted left, before snapping it back with the outside edge of his boot.

The Elastico was seamlessly executed with such fluidity that the defender stumbled, caught off balance by the sudden shift.

[Oh, that’s brilliant! Look at that Elastico! He’s left his man in the dust!] the first commentator exclaimed, the excitement in his voice infectious.

[He’s still in stride too. That’s the mark of a top player—technical flair at full speed,] the second commentator added.

Benjamin didn’t linger to admire his handiwork. He accelerated down the wing while the home crowd roared in approval.

Another defender rushed to close him down, angling his body to block the anticipated cut inside. Benjamin remained unfazed, and he slowed just enough to spot his next move.

With the outside of his right foot, he curled a Trivela cross into the box. The ball spun beautifully, slicing through the air with precision as it veered away from the retreating defenders.

[What a cross! That’s got danger written all over it!] the first commentator shouted.

The ball curled perfectly toward the penalty spot, where Johannsson darted between two defenders. He launched himself forward, and his head connected cleanly with the ball—or so we all thought...

[Johannsson with the header—] the second commentator began.

But the Roda JC goalkeeper reacted like lightning, leaping to push the ball away.

The clearance didn’t have the force the goalkeeper intended, and it fell awkwardly to the edge of the 18-yard box.

Overtoom, who wad lurking just outside, pounced on it instantly, firing a low, driven shot toward goal but a Roda JC defender slid in with impeccable timing, his block sending the ball spinning high into the air.

[Overtoom didn’t waste a second there!] the first commentator exclaimed. [But what a block by the defender!]

The ball hung in the air momentarily before beginning its descent toward the penalty spot. The goalkeeper stepped forward, signaling his intention to claim it, but the shouts from his defender went unheeded.

As he lunged with both hands to catch, his teammate, equally committed, went for a desperate heading clearance.

Their efforts clashed in a moment of chaotic miscommunication, and the ball ricocheted awkwardly toward the byline.

[Oh, that’s a mess at the back!] the second commentator cried. [The goalkeeper and defender—neither on the same page!]

Lingering near the byline, Benjamin watched the unfolding drama with the calm of a predator. The ball bounced unevenly, but he didn’t bother to let it settle.

His body moved instinctively as he chipped it with the inside of his foot, a perfectly calculated strike that sent the ball arcing high over the crowded penalty area.

[Benjamin goes for the chip—oh, my word!]

Time seemed to slow as the ball soared above the goalkeeper, who backpedaled desperately.

The defenders scrambled, leaping and twisting in the air, arms outstretched in a futile attempt to clear it. But their efforts were in vain.

The ball dipped sharply, kissing the underside of the crossbar before nestling into the back of the net.

[It’s in! What a goal! That’s sheer brilliance from Benjamin to make it 4-0 in the 67th minute of the game!]

GOAAAALLLLL!!!!~

The stadium erupted in celebration, and the cheers of the crowd mixed with the disbelieving gasps of the commentators.

[You can’t teach that kind of composure!] the first commentator shouted, his voice nearly drowned out. [That’s pure instinct, precision, and genius rolled into one moment!]

Benjamin barely celebrated that beauty, but his face was alight with a quiet and confident smile.

He jogged back toward the halfway line, adjusting his socks with a nonchalance that belied the magnitude of the goal.

[And look at him,] the second commentator said, shaking his head in admiration. [Cool as you like. That was a finish you’d expect from a seasoned veteran, not a young player in his breakthrough season]

[He’s special, this one,] the first commentator agreed. [You can see it in moments like these. When the game gets chaotic, he doesn’t panic—he thrives]

Roda JC’s players regrouped with their heads hanging low as they prepared to restart.

On the touchline, Gertjan Verbeek clapped enthusiastically, shouting encouraging words toward Benjamin.

[The question now is, how do Roda JC respond?] the first commentator asked as play resumed.

[If they don’t tighten up at the back, it’s going to be a long night for them,] the second commentator replied. [Because Benjamin is just getting started]