Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 156: No Penalty!

Chapter 156: No Penalty!

The substitutions were completed, and the game resumed with a renewed sense of urgency.

The players on both sides seemed reinvigorated, their movements became sharper, and their intent clearer to the spectators.

[We’re into the final ten minutes of normal time,] Mike said, the tension in his voice reflecting the atmosphere in the stadium. [It’s still 3-3 in the Philips Stadion, and this one could go either way]

[The fresh legs are already making an impact,] the co-commentator noted. [Look at Luciano Narsingh—he’s chasing everything down, trying to make something happen]

On the pitch, Narsingh darted down the right wing, his pace forcing Gorter to backpedal. He whipped in a dangerous cross, but Reijnen rose highest to head it clear.

[That’s good defending from Reijnen,] Mike said. [PSV are really testing AZ Alkmaar now]

Moments later, Beerens picked up the ball on the left for AZ Alkmaar.

He cut inside, weaving past one defender before unleashing a shot with his left foot from the edge of the 18 yard box.

Waterman reacted quickly, diving low to his right to make the save.

[What a strike from Beerens!] Mike exclaimed. [And an equally impressive save from Waterman. This game just won’t let up!]

The fans roared their approval, their voices filling the stadium as the clock ticked down agonizingly slow.

[It’s all about who can hold their nerve now,] Mike concluded. [This has been a rollercoaster of a game, and it’s not over yet]

As the clock ticked toward the 82nd minute, both sides looked desperate for a breakthrough, and the energy on the field mirrored the deafening roar of the fans in the stands.

On the far side, Luciano Narsingh, full of fresh energy, was causing havoc for AZ Alkmaar’s left-back Gorter.

He received a lofted pass from van Bommel, his first touch sublime as he let the ball drop before sprinting down the right wing.

[Luciano Narsingh is looking lively,] Mike said, his tone rising. [You can see why Dick Advocaat brought him on. He’s got pace to burn and torment almost any opponent his encounters]

[Absolutely, Mike,] the co-commentator added. [And look at the way he’s taking on Gorter—he’s fearless]

Gorter tried to match Narsingh’s speed but struggled to keep up. Narsingh feinted to the inside, letting Gorter buy the move and then burst outside with a quick turn of pace, leaving the AZ Alkmaar fullback chasing shadows.

He swung in a low, dangerous cross toward the six-yard box.

[That’s a brilliant ball in! PSV players are lining up—]

But Viergever, calm under pressure, stepped in with a crucial interception, his outstretched leg clearing the ball out for a corner.

[What a vital touch from Reijnen!] Mike exclaimed. [That cross had danger written all over it]

[AZ Alkmaar’s defense is holding firm,] the co-commentator said. [But how long can they withstand this pressure?]

From the corner, Dries Mertens whipped the ball into the box with precision. The players jostled for position as the ball curled toward the penalty spot.

PSV’s central defender, Marcelo, rose high to meet the ball but he was outmuscled by Viergever who nod the ball clear.

[Another solid defensive header,] Mike said. [Viergever’s been a rock at the back tonight despite the goals conceded]

AZ Alkmaar seized the opportunity to counterattack from the clearance. Adam collected the ball just outside his own 18 yard box, turned sharply, and threaded a perfectly weighted pass down the left flank for Beerens to chase.

[And now AZ Alkmaar are on the break!] Mike shouted. [Beerens has space to run into!]

The winger surged forward, his quick strides eating up the ground as the PSV defense scrambled to get back.

Beerens cut inside, dodging a sliding challenge from the newcomer, Zanka, before unleashing a fierce shot from the edge of the 18 yard box.

The ball swerved through the air, heading for the top corner. Waterman dived, his fingertips brushing the ball just enough to push it onto the crossbar.

CLANG!!!

The ball bounced back into play, falling to Johannsson in the six-yard box.

[It’s still alive! Johannsson—]

Johannsson swung a foot at the loose ball, but Bouma appeared from nowhere, throwing himself in front of the shot. The ball ricocheted off his chest and spun out for a corner.

[Unbelievable defending by Bouma!] Mike yelled. [He’s put his body on the line to keep PSV in this game]

[And what a save from Waterman to start with,] the co-commentator added. [This game is delivering on every front]

Suddenly, the AZ Alkmaar players surrounded the referee, pointing to Johannsson, who lay on the ground clutching his ankle after the block.

[Wait a second—what’s happening here? Johannsson’s down, and AZ Alkmaar players are not happy about it,] Mike said, his tone sharp with curiosity. [They’re surrounding the referee!]

The AZ Alkmaar players rushed to the referee with their arms gesturing wildly. The captain, Martens, was at the forefront, his voice raised in protest.

The crowd’s noise swelled, divided between calls for a foul and the tension of the moment.

[They’re claiming a foul,] the co-commentator observed. [Let’s see what the referee does here. Johannsson looks like he’s in a lot of pain]

The crowd held its breath, but the referee waved play on, motioning with both hands to indicate no foul. He then pointed toward the corner flag, signaling for the game to continue.

[He’s waved it off! The referee says no foul!] Mike exclaimed, his voice rising with the energy of the stadium. [Play on!]

[That’s a big call, Mike,] his partner responded. [You can see why AZ Alkmaar are incensed. Johannsson looks hurt—was there contact? Maybe... Maybe not]

The replay cut to the big screens, showing the block. It was clean but forceful foul, with Bouma getting the ball just before Johannsson went down.

[Here’s the replay,] Mike said, leaning into the moment. [Bouma got the ball first... but look at the follow-through. Did he catch Johannsson there?]

[It’s hard to tell, Mike,] the co-commentator admitted. [He gets the ball, but there’s definitely some contact afterward. The referee’s decided it wasn’t enough for a foul]