Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 141: The Post To The Rescue [Bonus]

Chapter 141: The Post To The Rescue [Bonus]

Waterman stood rooted to his spot. He could only watch helplessly as the ball flew past him and smashed against the inside of the left post.

CLANG!!!

The stadium fell into a momentary silence, the tension unbearable.

The ball ricocheted across the face of the goal, striking the inside of the right post with equal ferocity.

CLANG!!!

Gasps turned into cheers and groans as Bouma scrambled to clear the loose ball with an outstretched leg, sending it out for a corner.

[Unbelievable! It’s hit both posts!] Mike shouted, his voice nearly cracking. [How did that not go in?]

[What a strike from the youngster!] the co-commentator added, awe evident in his tone. [Benjamin Rijkaard almost produced a moment of magic!]

The AZ Alkmaar fans behind the goal had their hands on their heads, disbelief etched on their faces.

On the pitch, Benjamin stood with his hands on his hips, shaking his head as his teammates rushed to pat him on the back.

[He can’t believe it, and neither can we,] Mike said. [That deserved a goal, didn’t it?]

[Absolutely, Mike,] his partner agreed. [To strike the ball that cleanly and come that close—it’s pure heartbreak for AZ Alkmaar]

As the players regrouped for the corner, the replay played on the big screen showed the strike in slow motion.

The ball’s trajectory was near perfect, the spin precise, but the cruel intervention of the woodwork denied Benjamin his moment.

[Look at that technique,] the co-commentator said, admiration lacing his voice. [To strike it from that distance and hit both posts? That’s something special]

[And credit to Bouma for reacting so quickly,] Mike added. [He might’ve saved PSV from going behind there]

Henriksen jogged over to take the corner, and the AZ Alkmaar players crowded the box with renewed determination.

The Philips Stadion buzzed with nervous energy as the referee signaled for the kick to be taken.

[Here we go,] Mike said, his voice steadying. [AZ Alkmaar won’t want to waste this chance]

Henriksen raised his arm before delivering a whipped cross toward the near post.

Altidore leaped high, battling fiercely with Bouma again, but the defender got enough of a touch to send the ball spinning out toward the edge of the box.

[Cleared by Bouma, but it’s not over yet,] the co-commentator said, as the ball fell to Martens, who was lurking just outside the penalty area.

Martens took a touch and fired a low shot through the crowded box, but Waterman was equal to it, diving low to his left and gathering the ball securely.

[Another chance for AZ Alkmaar, but Waterman holds firm!] Mike exclaimed. [PSV are living dangerously here]

The PSV fans cheered their goalkeeper’s composure, while the AZ Alkmaar players regrouped once more, their frustration evident but their intent unwavering.

[It feels like a goal is coming, Mike,] the co-commentator said. [The question is, who’s going to get it?]

The game continued at a breakneck pace, with neither side willing to back down. AZ Alkmaar, spurred on by their near-miss, pressed high, forcing PSV into rushed clearances.

The tension in the stadium was almost tangible, every pass and tackle drawing gasps or cheers from the crowd.

[AZ Alkmaar are knocking on the door,] Mike said, his voice full of anticipation. [They’re piling on the pressure now!]

The ball was worked out to Berghuis on the right flank. He took a sharp touch to control it, his eyes scanning the 18 yard box.

Willems moved in to close him down, but Berghuis wasn’t fazed. A quick drop of the shoulder sent the PSV defender off balance, giving Berghuis just enough room to whip in a cross.

[That’s a great ball in! Altidore’s in there—]

The American striker rose high, muscling past Bouma yet again, and made solid contact.

The header was powerful, aimed low toward the corner, but Waterman was alert. Diving to his right, he got a strong hand to the ball, parrying it wide.

[What a save by Waterman!] Mike shouted. [Altidore thought he’d scored!]

[That’s top-class goalkeeping,] the co-commentator agreed. [He’s keeping PSV in this game single-handedly!]

AZ Alkmaar earned another corner, their fourth of the match. The tension among the PSV defenders was clear as they hurriedly organized themselves, Bouma barking orders to his teammates.

Henriksen stood over the ball once more, taking a moment to adjust his socks before signaling.

The AZ Alkmaar players jostled for position in the box, their movements deliberate, trying to create space.

[You can feel the nerves here,] Mike said, his voice lowering slightly. [PSV know they’re under siege]

Henriksen delivered a teasing ball toward the back post this time, the flight of the ball perfect. Marcellis timed his run to perfection, breaking free of his marker and meeting the cross with a thumping header.

[Marcellis! This has to be—]

The ball cannoned off Marcelo, who had thrown himself into the line of fire. It ricocheted toward a few yards off the edge of the box, where Benjamin was lurking, his eyes fixed on the bouncing ball.

[It’s fallen to Benjamin Rijkaard!] Mike yelled. [What can he do here?]

Benjamin steadied himself, his first touch impeccable. He let the ball roll across his body, creating a sliver of space, before unleashing a fierce strike with his left foot.

The ball swerved wickedly through the air, heading straight for the top corner.

[Oh, my word! That’s—]

Waterman, reacting purely on instinct, flung himself to his left. His fingertips brushed the ball just enough to send it grazing the crossbar and out for another corner.

The crowd erupted, some in disbelief, others in awe.

[How has he kept that out?] Mike shouted, almost breathless. [Waterman is having the game of his life!]

[And Benjamin Rijkaard—what a hit that was! This kid is putting on a show tonight,] the co-commentator said, his tone filled with admiration.

Benjamin dropped to his knees, hands clasped over his head. His teammates rushed over, pulling him to his feet and patting his back in encouragement.

[He’s getting closer and closer, Mike,] the co-commentator said with a chuckle. [If Waterman wasn’t in goal, we’d be talking about a man-of-the-match performance from Benjamin already]

The game resumed with another corner, the AZ Alkmaar fans now in full voice, urging their team forward.

The PSV players, though clearly rattled, remained resolute, knowing that even the slightest lapse could prove costly.

[This is relentless,] Mike said, his tone rising. [AZ Alkmaar are throwing everything at PSV. Something’s got to give soon!]