Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 140: From 25 Yards Out

Chapter 140: From 25 Yards Out

[This game’s only getting started,] Mike said, his voice steadying. [If the first ten minutes are anything to go by, we’re in for a cracker]

As the clock ticked toward the 10-minute mark, the tension was palpable. The Philips Stadion buzzed with anticipation, every tackle, pass, and shot was met with cheers or groans.

On the touchline, Advocaat and Gertjan Verbeek barked instructions to their players, their animated gestures reflecting the intensity of the match.

[This is shaping up to be a real battle,] Mike said, his tone filled with excitement. [Neither side willing to give an inch]

[And that’s exactly what we want to see, Mike,] his partner added with a chuckle. [This one’s got all the ingredients for a classic]

The game restarted with a free kick from Alvarado, his powerful delivery launched the ball deep into PSV’s half.

Jozy Altidore fought to win the aerial duel against Bouma, his sheer strength unsettling the veteran defender just enough to flick the ball backward toward Berghuis.

[AZ Alkmaar aren’t wasting any time here,] Mike said, his voice laced with anticipation. [They’re straight back on the attack!]

Berghuis collected the ball with a deft touch, his head already scanning for options. With one swift turn, he broke down the right flank, leaving Willems trailing in his wake.

[Berghuis is looking sharp tonight,] the co-commentator noted. [He’s got that spring in his step, hasn’t he?]

Berghuis reached the edge of the final third, his pace unrelenting as Henriksen overlapped on his right. The crowd’s noise swelled as the AZ Alkmaar players flooded forward, their intent clear.

[AZ Alkmaar pushing numbers forward,] Mike observed. [They’ve sensed an opportunity here!]

Berghuis hesitated for a split second, drawing Derijck out of position before cutting inside onto his left foot.

He slipped a perfectly played through-ball into the path of Henriksen, who had broken free down the flank.

[What a pass! Henriksen’s through!] Mike’s voice rose, mirroring the crowd’s excitement. [Can AZ Alkmaar make this count?]

Henriksen charged into the 18 yard box, his first touch immaculate as he angled his run toward the six-yard area. Waterman, the PSV goalkeeper, rushed off his line with his arms wide to close the angle.

Henriksen kept his composure, feinting a shot before squaring the ball across the face of goal. Altidore was there, his hulking frame bullying Bouma as he lunged for the ball.

[Altidore’s there! This could be it—]

Waterman reacted instantly, diving low to smother the ball at Altidore’s feet. The American striker crashed into the goalkeeper, but the ball was already safely in Waterman’s grasp.

[Incredible save by Waterman!] Mike exclaimed. [He’s kept PSV alive there!]

[Brilliant goalkeeping,] the co-commentator echoed. [He made himself big and just snuffed out the danger. Altidore looked certain to score]

The PSV fans erupted in applause, their appreciation for Waterman’s heroics clear for all to see. Meanwhile, AZ Alkmaar’s players retreated, frustration etched on their faces.

[That was a golden chance for AZ Alkmaar,] Mike continued, shaking his head. [They’ll be kicking themselves for not converting that]

Waterman quickly got to his feet, launching the ball forward to Lens, who was once again lurking near the halfway line.

[Lens again, looking to spring another counter,] Mike said, his tone climbing. [This game is end-to-end, relentless!]

Lens brought the ball under control, his quick feet making it impossible for Gorter to commit due to a possible card offense.

He darted toward the middle, combining with Dries Mertens, whose clever flick sent him racing toward the AZ Alkmaar 18 yard box once more.

[Jeremain Lens and Dries Mertens—what a combination,] the co-commentator said. [AZ Alkmaar can’t let them run the show like this]

Lens’s eyes lit up as he spotted Matavž peeling off his marker near the penalty spot. He drilled a low cross toward the Slovenian forward, but Marcellis slid in with perfect timing to intercept.

[That’s brilliant defending from Marcellis!] Mike shouted. [PSV were inches away from breaking the deadlock there]

The AZ Alkmaar fans cheered their defender’s effort, his teammates rushing to congratulate him as he got back to his feet.

[This game is delivering everything we hoped for,] the co-commentator said with a laugh. [Chances at both ends, brilliant saves, last-ditch defending—what more could you ask for?]

[Well, maybe a goal,] Mike replied with a grin. [But at this rate, it’s only a matter of time]

The clock ticked past the 15-minute mark, and the intensity showed no signs of waning. Both teams knew the importance of the first goal, and the battle for dominance was as fierce as ever.

The fans who were fully engrossed in the game, matched the energy on the pitch with their unrelenting chants.

[It’s still anyone’s game,] Mike concluded. [And with the way this is shaping up, it’s going to take something special to separate these two sides]

AZ Alkmaar regained possession in the 17th minute after a misstep by Dries Mertens, with Elm intercepting the loose ball near the halfway line.

Without hesitation, Elm pushed the ball toward Benjamin, who had been quietly orchestrating from the left wing.

[Benjamin Rijkaard again, pulling the strings,] Mike noted, his tone tinged with intrigue. [He’s got options ahead of him, but will he try something himself?]

Benjamin took a touch to control the ball, his head lifting as he surveyed the field. PSV’s defense appeared compact, and their lines disciplined, but the space opened up as Derijck stepped forward to challenge.

[Look at that space opening up for him,] the co-commentator remarked. [This could be interesting]

With a sudden burst of acceleration, Benjamin skipped past Derijck with a clever feint. The crowd gasped, sensing something special as the young winger set his sights on goal from nearly 25 yards out.

[He’s going for it!] Mike’s voice jumped in excitement. [What a strike this could be!]

Benjamin unleashed a ferocious right-footed shot, the ball spinning with deadly precision and intent.

It flew past a lunging Bouma and curled viciously toward the top corner. Waterman stood rooted to his spot, and could only watch as the ball flew past him.