Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 144: A Chaotic Goal

The defender, though visibly winded, raised a hand in acknowledgment with a small smile breaking through his focused demeanor.

[He deserves every bit of that applause,] Mike said. [It’s moments like these that can change a game]

Jeremain Lens jogged over to take the corner, placing the ball meticulously before stepping back to assess his options.

The PSV players jostled for position in the box, the atmosphere inside the stadium crackling with anticipation.

[This corner’s crucial for PSV,] the co-commentator said. [They’ve got to make this count]

Lens raised his arm, signaling his intent before curling a teasing cross toward the near post.

The ball’s trajectory was perfect, dipping sharply as it approached the crowded penalty area.

[Here it comes!] Mike shouted. [Who’s on the end of it?]

The players surged toward the ball, bodies colliding as the battle for supremacy unfolded in midair.

Matavž leapt highest, his forehead connecting solidly with the ball. It flew toward the near post with venom, but Alvarado was ready.

The AZ Alkmaar goalkeeper reacted with lightning speed, diving low to his right and palming the ball away.

[What a save by Esteban Alvarado!] Mike roared, his voice nearly drowned out by the collective gasp of the crowd. [That’s absolutely sensational!]

[He had no right to stop that,] the co-commentator said, stunned. [Matavž did everything right—what a header that was!]

The ball spilled to the edge of the box, where Strootman was waiting. The PSV captain didn’t hesitate, striking it first-time with his left foot.

The shot was a rocket, aimed for the top corner, but Martens threw himself in the way, the ball smacking off his chest and rebounding out of danger.

[That’s fearless from Martens!] Mike exclaimed. [AZ Alkmaar are putting their bodies on the line here!]

[They have to, Mike, the tides have changed] his partner replied. [PSV are knocking, and it’s going to take this kind of commitment to keep them out]

The clearance found Berghuis, who immediately sprinted upfield, launching a counterattack.

The AZ Alkmaar winger darted past Willems, using his pace to break into open space. The roar from the visiting fans grew louder with every stride.

[And here they go! Berghuis leading the charge—this game just won’t let up!] Mike said, his excitement building.

Berghuis spotted Altidore making a run toward the right flank and slid a perfectly played low pass into his path.

Altidore controlled it expertly, turning Bouma inside out before driving toward the box.

[Altidore’s got Bouma on skates here!] the co-commentator shouted. [This could be the moment!]

Altidore reached the edge of the area and unleashed a low, driven shot. It skidded across the turf, heading for the bottom corner, but Waterman was there again.

The PSV goalkeeper stretched out a leg, and unfortunately for the away fans but fortunately for the home fans, he deflected the ball wide for another corner.

[Waterman denies Altidore! Incredible save! This game is delivering everything we expected and more!] Mike yelled, almost breathless.

[End-to-end football at its finest,] his partner said. [You can’t take your eyes off it for a second!]

The AZ Alkmaar players regrouped for the corner, Henriksen once again stepping up to take it. The PSV defense scrambled to organize, their shouts echoing through the stadium.

[The intensity is unbelievable,] Mike observed. [Both teams are leaving everything out there—who’s going to blink first?]

Henriksen raised his arm, signaling another attack. The crowd held its breath as the ball arced into the box once more, a sea of bodies colliding in the relentless battle for the golden touch.

Viergever surged toward the ball, outmuscling his marker with sheer determination.

He rose high, his timing impeccable, and met the corner with a thunderous header that rocketed toward the goal.

[Viergever connects! That’s heading in—] Mike’s voice reached a crescendo.

CLANG!!!

The ball struck the crossbar with a deafening thud, rebounding back into the chaos of the penalty area.

The crowd erupted in gasps, some leaping to their feet while others clutched their heads in disbelief.

[Off the bar! How unlucky can you get?] the co-commentator exclaimed, his tone a mixture of astonishment and sympathy.

The rebound caused pandemonium in the box. Bouma, reacting instinctively, attempted to clear the danger, swinging his boot with desperation.

But instead of soaring away, the ball ricocheted off Rasmus Elm, who had positioned himself perfectly to pressure the PSV defense.

It happened in a flash. The ball looped over Waterman, whose weight had shifted toward the initial clearance.

The PSV goalkeeper could only watch, his outstretched arms helpless as the ball dipped into the back of the net.

[It’s in! It’s in! AZ Alkmaar have scored!] Mike shouted, his excitement echoing through the commentary box. [An unbelievable sequence, and they’ve finally broken the deadlock!]

[What a chaotic goal! Elm won’t care one bit—it’s in, and that’s all that matters,] the co-commentator added, his laugh carrying a hint of disbelief.

The AZ Alkmaar players erupted in celebration, rushing toward Elm, who stood momentarily stunned before being mobbed by his teammates.

Their joy was palpable, a release of the pent-up frustration from the controversial call of the referee and near-misses earlier in the match.

[That’s persistence paying off, Mike,] the co-commentator said. [They’ve been hammering at PSV’s door all night, and now they’ve finally forced their way through]

On the other side, Waterman sat slumped on the turf, shaking his head in frustration. The PSV defenders looked around at each other, disbelief etched on their faces.

Bouma slapped the ground in frustration, knowing his clearance had inadvertently led to the goal.

The camera panned to Gertjan Verbeek, who punched the air in celebration, his passion on full display.

Meanwhile, Advocaat’s expression was a mixture of fury and disbelief as he barked instructions to his team.

[That’s a big blow for PSV,] Mike said, his tone now more analytical. [But there’s still plenty of time left in this game. How will they respond?]

As the players returned to their positions, the AZ Alkmaar fans roared with newfound energy, their chants reverberating across the stadium.

The scoreline now read: PSV 0-1 AZ Alkmaar.

[This match has just gone up another gear,] the co-commentator said. [PSV will be desperate to hit back, but AZ Alkmaar won’t make it easy for them]

[And the question now,] Mike concluded, his voice steady, [is whether AZ Alkmaar can hold onto this lead or if PSV will find a way to turn things around. Either way, this is shaping up to be an unforgettable night]