Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 157 - 5 Minutes Of Additional Time [Bonus]

Chapter 157: 5 Minutes Of Additional Time [Bonus]

The AZ Alkmaar fans erupted in boos, their frustration echoing across the stadium.

Johannsson was still on the ground, clutching his ankle as the AZ Alkmaar medical team rushed onto the pitch.

[The AZ Alkmaar fans aren’t happy, and you can understand why,] Mike said, his tone carrying the tension of the moment. [They feel their team’s been hard done by here]

[But credit to the referee, Mike,] his partner added. [He’s sticking to his decision. In his eyes, that was a clean challenge. It’s one of those calls that could go either way]

As Johannsson was helped to his feet, the AZ Alkmaar players slowly backed off, though their frustration was still evident in their body language.

Benjamin gave the referee one last shake of the head before jogging toward the corner flag.

[Well, the referee’s made his decision, and AZ Alkmaar will have to focus on the corner now,] Mike concluded. [But you can bet this incident will be talked about after the match]

From the set piece, Benjamin floated the ball toward the back post. The players pushed and shoved each other.

Reijnen leapt higher than his marker, his header looping over the crowd and toward the top corner, but Waterman reacted quickly, tipping it over the bar for another corner.

[Another save from Waterman!] Mike exclaimed. [He’s singlehandedly keeping PSV in this]

[What a performance from the PSV goalkeeper,] the co-commentator added. [He’s been immense tonight]

The crowd’s energy surged as AZ Alkmaar lined up for their second corner in quick succession.

Benjamin, calm under pressure, adjusted the ball carefully before stepping back. His eyes scanned the penalty area, calculating the angles, the movement, and the chaos within the box.

[Here we go again,] Mike said, his voice buzzing with anticipation. [Benjamin has another chance to deliver. Can AZ Alkmaar finally make one of these count?]

[He’s been sharp tonight with his deliveries, Mike,] the co-commentator replied. [PSV will need to be at their best to deal with this]

Fweeee!

The whistle blew, and Benjamin took a deep breath. His run-up was smooth, the strike clean. The ball arced beautifully toward the center of the six-yard box, where the melee of players jostled for position.

[That’s a dangerous ball!] Mike exclaimed. [It’s right in the mixer—]

Viergever rose, towering over Bouma this time after a physical battle. His header was strong, sending the ball hurtling toward the far corner.

The Philips Stadion collectively gasped as Waterman, once more, flung himself to his left.

[Waterman again!] Mike shouted, almost unable to believe it. [Unreal reflexes from the PSV goalkeeper! He’s denied AZ Alkmaar once more!]

[What a save, Mike!] the co-commentator echoed. [Viergever did everything right, but Waterman just refuses to be beaten tonight!]

The ball spilled loose, bouncing toward the edge of the 18 yard area. Henriksen pounced, striking it first-time with his weaker left foot.

The ball ricocheted off a PSV defender and looped dangerously high into the air.

[It’s still not clear!] Mike cried. [AZ Alkmaar are throwing everything at this!]

Bouma rose this time, nodding back the ball clear to the edge of the 18 yard box. Beerens collected it this time, his touch sharp as he moved to his right, evading van Bommel’s challenge.

He squared up to shoot, but Jeremain Lens slid in at the last moment, blocking the attempt and sending the ball out for a throw-in.

[The commitment from both teams is incredible,] the co-commentator said, his voice filled with admiration. [Every tackle, every block—it’s all or nothing]

Adam jogged over to take the throw-in, his movements deliberate as he wiped the ball on his shirt.

The clock showed 86 minutes, and the tension in the stadium was palpable.

[AZ Alkmaar need to stay patient,] Mike said. [Time’s running out, but they’re creating chances. One of these has to go in eventually]

Benjamin hurled the ball deep into the 18 yard box, aiming for Johannsson. The Icelandic-American striker used his body to shield the ball, holding off Marcelo before laying it back to Martens on the edge of the area.

Martens took a touch, lined up a shot, and unleashed a powerful strike. The ball swerved through a sea of legs, but once again, Waterman was equal to it, diving low to his right to palm it away.

[It’s Waterman again!] Mike shouted, his voice nearly cracking. [How many times is he going to save PSV tonight?]

[This is a goalkeeper’s performance for the ages,] the co-commentator said. [He’s been PSV’s savior, no doubt about it]

The rebound fell to Luciano Narsingh, who immediately launched a counterattack. The PSV winger raced down the right flank, his pace leaving Gorter trailing in his wake.

The AZ Alkmaar defense scrambled to get back, but Narsingh’s long ball to Memphis Depay on the far left wing split them open.

[PSV are on the break! Memphis Depay is through—]

Depay surged into the 18 yard box, his first touch perfect to set up the shot. Alvarado came rushing out, making himself big, but Depay kept his cool, chipping the ball over the AZ Alkmaar goalkeeper.

Time slowed...

The ball seemed to hang in the air for an eternity before clipping the top of the crossbar and bouncing out.

The crowd let out a collective gasp, followed by groans from the PSV fans and cheers from the AZ Alkmaar supporters.

[Oh, he’s hit the bar!] Mike shouted. [So close for PSV! This game is full of surprises!]

[Unbelievable, Mike,] the co-commentator said, shaking his head. [This could have been the moment, but the crossbar denies him]

Both sets of players were visibly exhausted, their jerseys soaked in sweat as they trudged back into position.

The clock ticked past 88 minutes, and the fourth official signaled five minutes of added time.

[Five minutes to find a winner,] Mike said, his voice tense. [Or are we heading for a draw?]

[With the way this game’s gone, Mike,] his partner replied. [I wouldn’t rule out one last twist! It’s all or nothing now]