Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 123: Penalty!

Chapter 123: Penalty!

As the dust settled, Martens picked up the ball and walked toward the penalty spot. But instead of placing it down, he turned to Benjamin, offering it with a knowing smile.

[Oh, look at this,] the first commentator said. [Martens is handing the responsibility to Benjamin. What a gesture!]

Benjamin hesitated for a moment, glancing at Martens, who nodded encouragingly. The crowd erupted in cheers as Benjamin stepped forward, taking the ball with a calm expression.

[This is a big moment for the young man,] the second commentator said. [He’s already had an incredible game—can he cap it off with a goal from the spot?]

Benjamin placed the ball carefully on tge penalty spot, adjusting it slightly before taking a few measured steps back. His face betrayed no nerves, only focus.

The goalkeeper stood on his line, bouncing lightly, trying to psych him out with exaggerated movements.

[The pressure is all on Benjamin here,] the first commentator said. [The goalkeeper’s doing everything he can to unsettle him]

Fweeee!

The referee blew his whistle, and the stadium seemed to hold its collective breath.

Benjamin began his run-up, his steps deliberate yet fluid. At the last moment, he opened his body, striking the ball with precision.

The goalkeeper dived to his right hand side with his arms outstretched—but the ball sailed the opposite way, nestling into the bottom left corner of the net.

GOAAAAALLLLL!!!~

[Ice cold! Benjamin sends the keeper the wrong way!] the first commentator shouted. [5-0 to AZ Alkmaar, two goals and two assists to his name, and what a night for the youngster!]

The crowd erupted in celebration, their chants growing louder as Benjamin jogged toward the corner flag with his fist raised in celebration. His teammates swarmed him, patting his back and ruffling his hair in congratulations.

[That’s a statement,] the second commentator said. [Benjamin steps up under pressure and delivers. Cool, calm, and collected... the three C’s of top player]

On the sideline, Gertjan Verbeek clapped with a wide grin, his shouts of praise cutting through the cheers.

[He’s a special talent, and there’s absolutely no doubt about it?] the first commentator said. [Moments like this show why he’s such a key part of AZ Alkmaar’s and hopefully, Netherlands future]

[Absolutely,] the second commentator agreed. [He’s got the skill, the composure, and the mentality of a top player at such a young age. The sky’s the limit for this kid, I tell ya]

As play restarted, Roda JC’s players looked utterly deflated like a punctured ballon, their body language signaling resignation.

Meanwhile, Benjamin jogged back to his position with a quiet smile playing on his lips as the crowd continued to chant his name.

The Roda JC players tried to gather themselves as they kicked off again, but their movements were slow and disjointed. Passes were misplaced, and their usual rhythm was nowhere to be seen.

[You can see the energy draining out of them now, can’t you?] the second commentator said. [They’ve been completely outplayed tonight and with this scoreline, they’re now placed 18th on the league table while AZ Alkmaar has moved four steps up to 4th place with 5 points off first placed, Ajax]

[It’s like they’ve given up,] the first commentator replied. [And who can blame them? AZ Alkmaar are playing some irresistible football]

AZ Alkmaar didn’t ease off their offensive energy. They kept pressing high and forcing Roda JC into mistakes.

Martens intercepted a lazy pass in midfield, quickly spraying the ball wide to Gorter. The left-back surged forward, his legs still full of running despite the late stage of the match.

[Here we go again. Gorter’s been relentless down that flank tonight,] the first commentator said.

Gorter cut inside, slipping a pass to Adam, who turned sharply and sent a lofted ball toward Benjamin on the left wing. The teenager controlled it with his chest, drawing gasps from the crowd.

[Benjamin’s touch is just sublime, isn’t it?] the second commentator said. [He makes it look so effortless]

Benjamin slowed down his pace, inviting the defender to step closer. Then, with a quick shift of his body, he nutmegged his marker, drawing cheers from the crowd.

[Oh, that’s cheeky!] the first commentator laughed. [He’s having fun out there now]

Reaching a suitable position, he sent in a wicked cross to the 18 yard box.

The cross was dangerous, and whipped in with pace toward Johannsson at the near post. The striker met it with a glancing header, but the ball skidded just wide of the far post.

[So close! Johannsson nearly added to the tally,] the second commentator said. [AZ Alkmaar are showing no mercy here]

Roda JC’s goalkeeper hurried to take the goal kick, but his rushed clearance went straight to Adam, who immediately played it forward to Martens.

The captain held off his marker, scanning the field for options before threading a through ball to Johannsson.

The striker let the ball run past him towards the 18 yard box, creating space for himself before laying it off to Benjamin, who was charging into the box.

[Benjamin again! He’s everywhere tonight!] the first commentator shouted.

Benjamin took a touch, setting himself up before firing a curling shot aimed at the top corner. The goalkeeper dived acrobatically, just managing to tip the ball over the bar.

[What a save! That’s top-class from the goalkeeper,] the second commentator said. [He’s single-handedly trying to keep the scoreline respectable at five-nil]

The resulting corner was taken short, with Adam combining quickly with Benjamin before the latter sent another teasing cross into the 18 yard box.

The Roda JC defenders barely managed to clear it out safely. Their legs looked heavy and their minds clouded as they held theirs knees while taking in ragged breaths.

[They’re hanging on by a thread,] the first commentator said. [You get the sense that another goal is just around the corner]

As the clock ticked down to the 75th minute, Benjamin continued to influence every attack, his energy seemingly boundless.

The home crowd also played their part as they rose to their feet in support, their chants growing louder as they cheered on their young star.