Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 146: Penalty!

Chapter 146: Penalty!

[The pressure is unrelenting now,] Mike said, his voice rising as the fans erupted in approval. [PSV have an indirect free kick in a dangerous position. This could be the moment they’ve been pushing for!]

Dries Mertens confidently stepped forward. He carefully placed the ball, taking his time as the wall of AZ Alkmaar defenders assembled.

Alvarado barked orders at his teammates who were forming a blockade, waving his arms to ensure every gap was covered.

[All eyes on Dries Mertens here,] the co-commentator said, his tone serious. [He’s got the technique to send in a dangerous cross, and from this distance, he’s a real threat]

The crowd hummed with anticipation, the tension thick as Mertens took several measured steps backward.

Fweeee!

The referee blew the whistle, and Mertens began his approach, his stride smooth and deliberate.

[Here he comes, Mertens—]

Mertens whipped in a dangerous, teasing cross that curled wickedly into the space between the penalty spot and the six-yard box.

The ball seemed to hang in the air for a split second as players jostled and shoved, all eyes locked on its descent.

[What a delivery from Mertens!] Mike exclaimed. [This is trouble for AZ Alkmaar!]

The players surged forward, bodies colliding in the chaotic scramble. Bouma, rising above his marker with sheer determination, connected with a powerful header.

The ball flew through the crowded box and smashed against the right-hand post with a deafening thud.

[It’s Bouma! Off the post!] Mike’s voice hit a higher pitch, the tension spilling over. [That was so close!]

The rebound shot out to the edge of the 18-yard box, where Mertens had positioned himself, already anticipating the loose ball.

Without hesitation, he stepped forward and struck it with his left foot. The shot was low and venomous, slicing through the air like a dagger aimed at the bottom corner.

[Mertens again! He’s gone for the follow-up—]

Alvarado, who was still recovering from his earlier dive, threw himself to his left with his arms outstretched, his fingertips brushing the ball as it struck the post and back into 18-yard box.

[What a save by Alvarado!] Mike shouted, the AZ Alkmaar fans roaring in relief. [That looked destined for the back of the net!]

[Incredible reactions,] the co-commentator added, his tone filled with admiration. [Mertens hit that cleanly, and Alvarado somehow kept it out! But it seems like it’s not over yet]

Van Bommel, the PSV captain, was positioned just outside the 18-yard box as he stalked the play, his eyes fixed on the unfolding chaos.

As the ball ricocheted off an attempted by save by Alvarado, it spun toward him.

[Van Bommel’s in space here,] Mike observed sharply. [This could be dangerous!]

Without hesitation, van Bommel pounced. His body adjusted swiftly, his technique flawless as he struck the ball with venom.

It was a clean hit, the ball cutting through the air like a missile, its trajectory aimed straight for the right corner.

[Van Bommel goes for it—what a strike!] Mike’s voice was electric.

Time seemed to slow as the shot zipped past Alvarado, who was still grounded from his earlier save.

The ball screamed toward the goal, a blur of white and black. Marcellis, stationed on the goal line, instinctively stepped forward.

[Marcellis is there—can he clear it?] the co-commentator interjected.

The AZ Alkmaar defender twisted his body, attempting to meet the ball with his chest. But the speed and awkward angle of the strike left him in an impossible position.

The ball clipped his arm as he turned, deflecting it just wide of the post and out for a corner.

[Handball! That’s a handball from Marcellis!] Mike shouted, his voice rising above the collective gasps of the crowd.

[What a moment,] the co-commentator said, his tone steady yet intense. [He tried to chest it, but the ball caught his arm. Lucky for him, it’s going to be a tricky call from the referee]

The PSV players erupted with their hands raised as they surrounded the referee, demanding a spot kick.

The crowd mirrored their frustration, a deafening chorus of boos cascading from the stands.

[The PSV players are livid, and you can understand why,] Mike said, his voice tight with the drama of the moment. [That should be a penalty—and a crucial one at that! Almost a replica of the denied penalty for AZ Alkmaar early on]

[Let’s take another look at this,] the co-commentator said as a replay flashed on the broadcast. [Van Bommel’s strike was ferocious, and Marcellis did what he could. But, oh, that’s close. His arm’s out there, but it looks unintentional. Tough call for the referee]

The referee jogged toward the edge of the box with his whistle in hand as he surveyed the scene.

The PSV players surrounded him, their arms gesturing wildly toward the penalty spot. Van Bommel led the charge, his voice carrying above the chaos.

Fweeee!

The whistle cut through the commotion.

The referee extended his arm and pointed directly to the penalty spot. The Philips Stadion erupted into a cacophony of cheers and jeers.

[Penalty! The referee’s given it!] Mike exclaimed, his voice rising with the intensity of the moment. [And listen to that reaction! The PSV fans are ecstatic, but AZ Alkmaar are furious!]

The AZ Alkmaar players swarmed the referee, their frustration boiling over as they argued their case. Alvarado was particularly vocal, gesturing toward the opposite end of the pitch.

[Look at this, Mike,] the co-commentator said, his voice calm but sharp. [The AZ Alkmaar players are saying it’s the same situation as their penalty shout earlier. They feel hard done by here]

[You can understand their frustration,] Mike replied. [It’s a tough pill to swallow, especially in a game as tightly contested as this]

The referee stood firm on his decision, his face unmoved as he gestured for the players to back away.

Alvarado shook his head, visibly fuming as he returned to his goal, muttering to himself.

[The referee’s not budging,] the co-commentator observed. [He’s made his decision, and he’s sticking to it. Fair or not, that’s a big call in a big moment]