Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 155: Super Subs

Chapter 155: Super Subs

The 77th minute arrived, and PSV mounted a fresh attack, their intent clear as Strootman played a precise diagonal ball out wide to Dries Mertens.

The Belgian winger controlled it effortlessly, his first touch killing the ball dead as he looked up to assess his options.

[Here’s Dries Mertens,] Mike said, leaning forward. [We’ve seen what he’s capable of—can he deliver here?]

Mertens drove toward the edge of the 18 yard box, his quick feet making him a nightmare for Marcellis, who hesitated to commit.

With a sharp turn, Mertens shifted the ball onto his stronger left foot, creating a yard of space.

[He’s going for it!] the co-commentator said, his voice rising with excitement.

Mertens unleashed a curling effort toward the top corner. The ball soared past Esteban Alvarado, who dived at full stretch but seemed beaten.

[That’s heading for the net!] Mike exclaimed, his voice brimming with anticipation.

But the ball kissed the outside of the post and ricocheted out for a goal kick.

Gasps filled the stadium, PSV fans clutching their heads in disbelief while Mertens dropped to his knees, hands covering his face.

[Oh, that was so close!] Mike shouted. [Inches away from putting PSV back in front!]

[Unlucky for Mertens,] the co-commentator added. [That was a fantastic effort. He did everything right, but the post denies him]

PSV regrouped quickly, sensing that AZ Alkmaar were a little fatigued and vulnerable after their equalizer.

The home crowd roared, urging their team to capitalize on the momentum.

Just two minutes later, PSV had another golden chance. This time, it was Mark van Bommel who found himself at the center of the action.

It started with Jeremain Lens once again tormenting the AZ Alkmaar backline. The winger’s pace proved too much for Gorter as he burst down the right flank.

Lens delivered a teasing cross to the penalty spot, where van Bommel timed his late run perfectly.

[Here’s van Bommel, unmarked!] Mike shouted, his excitement reaching a fever pitch.

The veteran midfielder met the ball cleanly with a side-footed volley, directing it low toward the bottom corner. Esteban dived to his left, but the shot flew past him.

[This could be it—van Bommel—]

But just as the crowd prepared to erupt, the ball slid agonizingly wide of the post. Van Bommel let out a frustrated yell, slapping the ground in disbelief as the chance went begging.

[How did he miss that?] Mike asked, almost incredulous. [Van Bommel had the goal at his mercy!]

[That’s a captain’s chance, Mike,] the co-commentator said, shaking his head. [He’ll be replaying that in his mind all night if PSV don’t win this]

The Philips Stadion fell into a mixture of groans and applause. The home fans recognized the effort but they were unable to hide their disappointment.

[That’s two massive opportunities gone for PSV,] Mike summarized. [First Dries Mertens hits the post, and now van Bommel misses the target. Are they going to regret these misses?]

[It feels like those moments could come back to haunt them,] the co-commentator replied. [You can’t afford to waste chances like that in a game this tight]

On the pitch, the AZ Alkmaar players rallied themselves, their defensive line tightening as they absorbed the pressure.

The missed chances seemed to give them renewed belief, the sense that fate might be on their side.

[AZ Alkmaar are still alive,] Mike said, his voice steadying as the game resumed. [And you have to wonder—can they punish PSV for those misses?]

The clock ticked toward the 80th minute, the tension growing with every passing second. The game hung in the balance, and both sides knew the next goal could very well decide it.

Fweeee!

The referee’s whistle pierced the air after a dead ball and he paused the game to signal a few changes on the sidelines.

The fourth official raised his electronic board, the bright numbers signaling substitutions as the players on the sidelines readied themselves.

[Here come the first changes of the night,] Mike announced, his voice steady as he glanced down at his notes. [Looks like Dick Advocaat is making some tactical adjustments]

[And why wouldn’t he?] his co-commentator replied. [This game’s on a knife’s edge, and fresh legs could make all the difference]

Jetro Willems jogged toward the touchline, his frustration evident as he shook his head and exchanged a quick word with Advocaat.

Zanka, a tall and imposing defender, stepped onto the pitch, his presence adding some much-needed stability to PSV’s backline.

[Willems makes way for Zanka,] Mike observed. [A defensive switch—Advocaat clearly wants to tighten things up at the back]

Next, Tim Matavž, who had worked tirelessly all night, trudged off. Luciano Narsingh, the young speedster, replaced him, greeted by an eruption of cheers from the PSV faithful.

[And here comes Narsingh,] Mike said, the excitement returning to his voice. [He’ll bring pace and directness to this PSV attack]

[It’s a smart move,] the co-commentator added. [Narsingh loves to stretch defenses. He could cause real problems for AZ Alkmaar’s tired backline]

Finally, Atiba Hutchinson, the midfield engine, was called off. In his place, the young and electric Memphis Depay bounded onto the pitch, his confidence apparent as he clapped his hands and urged the crowd to raise their voices.

[And there’s Memphis Depay,] Mike noted. [This young man’s got flair, and he’s never afraid to take risks. PSV are going for it now]

[Dick Advocaat’s made his intentions clear, Mike,] his partner agreed. [These substitutions scream attack. PSV are throwing everything at AZ Alkmaar]

As the PSV changes settled, it was Gertjan Verbeek’s turn. The fourth official raised the board again, signaling a response from the visitors.

[And now AZ Alkmaar are making changes of their own,] Mike observed. [No surprises here—Gertjan Verbeek needs to protect his side]

Jozy Altidore, who had been walking a tightrope since his yellow card, was the first to come off.

Aron Jóhannsson replaced him, the Icelandic-American forward offering a fresh option up front.

[That’s a sensible move,] the co-commentator said. [Altidore’s been brilliant, but one wrong move and he could be sent off. Johannsson’s got the energy to keep the PSV defense on edge]

Next was Viktor Elm, whose box-to-box presence had been crucial. Adam Maher stepped in, greeted with a mix of applause and boos from the crowd, given his past connections with Jong PSV.

[Adam’s on, and this could be an interesting one,] Mike said. [He’ll be desperate to make an impact against his birth club]

Finally, Steven Berghuis, who had run himself into the ground on the right flank, was withdrawn. Roy Beerens took his place, his fresh legs a clear signal of AZ Alkmaar’s intent to keep pushing forward.

[Beerens replaces Berghuis,] Mike summarized. [It’s clear Gertjan Verbeek isn’t sitting back—he wants that winning goal just as much as Dick Advocaat does]

[Both managers showing their hand now, Mike,] the co-commentator replied. [This last stretch is going to be fascinating. Who’s got the edge?]