Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 143: Goal Line Clearance

Chapter 143: Goal Line Clearance

Henriksen, still stationed near the corner flag, motioned for the ball again, his determination unwavering despite the chaos that had just unfolded.

The AZ Alkmaar players regrouped, their frustration evident on their faces but their resolve hardened.

[You can sense the fire in them now,] Mike said, his voice steadying after the earlier commotion. [They feel robbed, and they’re going to channel that anger]

[Let’s just hope they don’t lose their discipline,] his co-commentator added, a hint of caution in his tone. [There’s a fine line between passion and recklessness]

Henriksen’s delivery this time was more accurate with intent, a curling cross aimed precisely at the far post where Altidore was lurking, his towering frame poised for the challenge from the defenders.

[This could be dangerous—Henriksen delivers! Altidore’s there!] Mike shouted, the intensity in his voice matching the swelling roar of the crowd.

Altidore rose above Bouma, his powerful header meeting the ball cleanly. It thundered toward goal, but Waterman, once again, was up to the task.

Diving to his right, he stretched out a strong hand to parry the ball away, the impact echoing through the stadium.

[What a save from Waterman!] Mike exclaimed. [That’s top-class goalkeeping!]

[He’s keeping PSV in this game, Mike,] the co-commentator replied. [AZ Alkmaar just can’t seem to find a way past him]

The ball spilled into the six-yard box, a dangerous zone where a sea of bodies clambered for control.

Martens was quickest to react, his instinctive swipe at the ball sending it crashing into Marcelo’s legs.

The deflection spun wildly toward the edge of the area, where Benjamin was already waiting.

[Benjamin again—he’s everywhere tonight!] Mike said, his excitement palpable.

With a calm touch, Benjamin steadied himself, his eyes scanning for an opening. This time, instead of shooting, he spotted Berghuis cutting inside from the flank.

A quick pass split two defenders, landing perfectly at Berghuis’s feet.

[What a pass! Berghuis is through!] the co-commentator shouted.

Berghuis took the ball in stride, his first touch pushing it past Willems as he closed in on goal.

The angle was tight, but Berghuis showed no hesitation. He unleashed a fierce, curling effort toward the top corner with his weaker left foot.

[This could be it—Berghuis!] Mike cried out.

The ball whipped through the air, only to graze the fingertips of Waterman and clip the crossbar before sailing out for a goal kick.

The collective gasp of the crowd was followed by a groan, the tension in the stadium reaching new heights.

[So close! AZ Alkmaar are knocking on the door, but it just won’t open!] Mike lamented.

[You have to admire their persistence, though,] the co-commentator added. [They’re relentless, and you feel like it’s only a matter of time]

The camera panned to Gertjan Verbeek on the sidelines, his hands running through his hair in frustration. Despite the near misses, he clapped his hands furiously, urging his team to keep pushing.

[Gertjan Verbeek knows his side is on top,] Mike observed. [But will they make it count before PSV find their rhythm?]

As Waterman prepared to take the goal kick, the AZ Alkmaar fans erupted into another chant, their voices ringing through the stadium with unwavering support for their team.

[The fans haven’t given up, and neither have the players,] Mike said, his tone filled with admiration. [This is what football’s all about—drama, passion, and the fight to keep going]

The game restarted, and this time around, PSV finally got a breather as they moved the ball more fluidly and positioned well to receive passes from their teammates.

Strootman dropped deep to collect the ball from Marcelo, his movements filled with intent as he surveyed the field.

His sharp turn away from Henriksen left the AZ midfielder momentarily flat-footed, earning a ripple of applause from the PSV faithful.

[Strootman is such a calming presence, isn’t he?] the co-commentator said, admiration in his tone. [He’s the kind of player who can dictate the tempo in moments like this]

[And that’s exactly what PSV need right now,] Mike replied. [A bit of control to weather this AZ Alkmaar storm]

Strootman exchanged quick one-touch passes with Dries Mertens and Jeremain Lens, the ball zipping between them with precision.

The PSV fans responded with a growing wave of enthusiasm, sensing the momentum shift.

[PSV are starting to find their rhythm,] Mike noted. [This is much better from them]

Jeremain Lens darted forward into space, receiving a perfectly played pass from Strootman. He danced past his marker, Gorter, with a clever flick, cutting infield with a burst of pace.

[Look at Jeremain Lens go! He’s electric down that flank,] the co-commentator exclaimed.

Lens slipped the ball to Matavž, who held it up expertly under pressure from Reijnen. The Slovenian striker shielded the ball, waiting for support before laying it off to Willems, who had sprinted up from left-back.

[PSV are building something here,] Mike said, his voice rising. [You can feel it]

Willems whipped in a dangerous low cross that zipped through the six-yard box.

Matavž latched onto it with his outstretched weaker foot, the ball rolling towards the goal, but Viergever, showing incredible awareness, slid in at the last moment, hooking the ball off the goal line with his outstretched boot.

[Unbelievable clearance by Viergever!] Mike shouted, his excitement matched by the roar of the AZ Alkmaar fans. [How did he keep that out?]

[That’s top-class defending,] his partner agreed. [He’s just saved a certain goal!]

The ball ricocheted off Reijnen’s boot and spun out for a corner, the PSV players throwing their hands to their heads in disbelief.

Meanwhile, Viergever clambered to his feet, his teammates rushing over to congratulate him.

[What a moment,] Mike continued, shaking his head. [PSV were inches away, but Viergever had other ideas]

The replays on the big screen showed the clearance from multiple angles, each one more impressive than the last. The ball was mere centimeters from crossing the line, but Viergever’s intervention was perfectly timed.

[That’s a goal-saving challenge if I’ve ever seen one,] the co-commentator said. [He’s kept his side in it]