Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 150: Unlucky Benjamin

Chapter 150: Unlucky Benjamin

The players emerged from the tunnel, their cleats clicking against the concrete floor. The air crackled with tension as the crowd roared, their energy palpable.

In the commentary box, Mike leaned forward, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. [And here they come, folks, both teams stepping out into an electric atmosphere here at the Philips Stadion. It’s been a scintillating first half, and the second promises to be no different]

His co-commentator chuckled softly, adjusting his headset. [Absolutely, Mike. We’ve already seen three goals, near-misses, and some heroic saves. You have to wonder how much more drama this game has in store]

The camera lingered on the PSV players first. Kevin Strootman was at the forefront, his jersey drenched in sweat but his posture confident. Jeremain Lens jogged out beside him, a focused expression on his face.

[PSV will be feeling good about themselves,] Mike said, his voice steady now. [They’ve got the lead, and Strootman’s goal right before halftime gives them that psychological edge]

The co-commentator nodded. [But let’s not forget, Mike, it hasn’t been smooth sailing for them. AZ Alkmaar has come close to scoring multiple times. They’ve hit the woodwork thrice, forced some incredible saves, and had PSV’s defense scrambling]

[Right you are,] Mike agreed. [And that brings us to Waterman—what a first half he’s had. I mean, those saves? Absolutely top-class]

[Top-class indeed,] the co-commentator echoed. [Without him, PSV could easily be trailing right now. That fingertip save on Altidore’s header—sensational. But as good as Waterman has been, AZ Alkmaar will be kicking themselves for not taking those chances]

The camera switched to the AZ Alkmaar players now making their way onto the field.

Jozy Altidore walked out with a determined look, his jaw tight as he glanced toward the PSV goal. Behind him, Benjamin adjusted his sleeves with a calm expression on his face.

[And speaking of AZ Alkmaar,] Mike continued, his tone sharpening. [They’ll know they’ve been the better side for large parts of this match. They’ve controlled the midfield, created the better chances, and yet, here they are—trailing 2-1]

The co-commentator gestured toward the pitch. [It’s all about fine margins, Mike. This is football at the highest level. One moment of brilliance from Strootman, and suddenly the momentum shifts. But look at Altidore, Henriksen, and the young lad, Benjamin. They’re not out of this yet]

[Not by a long shot,] Mike said firmly. [In fact, I’d say the first 15 minutes of this half could decide everything. If AZ Alkmaar can find an early equalizer, PSV might find themselves under real pressure]

The players took their positions, the atmosphere inside the stadium building to a crescendo. The referee checked his watch, the whistle poised on his lips.

Fweeeee!~

[And here we go,] Mike said, his voice rising with anticipation. [Forty-five minutes left. Can AZ Alkmaar mount a comeback, or will PSV hold on to claim a crucial win? Stay with us. This one’s far from over]

***

The second half kicked off with a ferocity that mirrored the first. The ball zipped from side to side as AZ Alkmaar looked to impose their will early.

[Look at the intent from AZ Alkmaar,] Mike noted, his voice rising as they pressed high. [They’re wasting no time. You can see the determination etched on every player’s face]

[They have no choice, Mike,] the co-commentator replied. [They know they need to strike early before PSV can settle back into their rhythm]

Benjamin received the ball near the halfway line, and his first touch flicked softly past Strootman.

The young winger sprinted into space, drawing cheers from the traveling fans. He looked up, spotted Altidore making a run, and whipped in a low cross.

[Great delivery!] Mike exclaimed, leaning forward. [Altidore’s in the mix—]

But Bouma was there again, his positioning impeccable as he cut out the danger with a powerful header.

[Bouma’s been a rock at the back tonight,] the co-commentator said. [He’s not giving Altidore an inch]

PSV tried to regain control, but AZ Alkmaar’s relentless pressing kept them on the back foot. Martens dispossessed Lens with a well-timed tackle, then quickly fed the ball to Henriksen.

[AZ Alkmaar are swarming PSV,] Mike observed. [Every loose ball is being snapped up. This is the kind of urgency they needed]

Henriksen threaded a pass to Berghuis, who skipped past Willems with a burst of pace. He cut inside and unleashed a curling shot aimed for the far corner.

[Berghuis lets one fly—] Mike’s voice climbed.

The ball swerved dangerously, but Waterman was equal to it, diving to his right to parry it away.

[Another brilliant save from Waterman!] the co-commentator exclaimed. [He’s been PSV’s savior tonight]

The rebound fell to Benjamin, who struck it first-time, his left foot slicing through the ball. It screamed toward the top corner, the crowd rising to their feet.

[Benjamin! This could be it—]

CLANG!!!

The ball smashed against the crossbar, bouncing down onto the line and for a moment, it looked like it had crossed the line before being cleared frantically by Derijck.

[Oh, you’ve got to feel for Benjamin, four times in a row] Mike said, his voice heavy with disbelief. [That was inches away! How unlucky can one player get?]

The AZ Alkmaar players threw their hands in the air, pleading with the referee, but the goal-line technology confirmed the ball hadn’t crossed.

The PSV fans erupted in relief, their chants growing louder.

[This game is heating up,] the co-commentator said, exhaling sharply. [AZ Alkmaar are doing everything but scoring. You can’t take your eyes off it for a second]

Meanwhile, PSV began to find their footing. A slick interchange between Dries Mertens and Matavž opened up space on the right. Matavž played a clever through ball to Lens, who darted into the 18 yard box.

[Here come PSV on the counter,] Mike said, the tension rising. [Lens is in behind—can he finish?]

Lens shot the ball low and hard, aiming for the far post, but Alvarado was there, his reflexes sharp as he got down to make the save.

[Saved by Alvarado!] the co-commentator yelled. [Both goalkeepers are putting on a clinic tonight]