Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 158: Goalkeeping Brilliance

Chapter 158: Goalkeeping Brilliance

The game was balanced on a knife’s edge as the fourth official’s board lit up with five added minutes.

Both teams knew this was it. The fans roared louder, urging their players forward, the energy in the Philips Stadion electric.

[Five minutes, Mike,] the co-commentator repeated, leaning forward in his seat. [Plenty of time for one last moment of brilliance—or heartbreak]

AZ Alkmaar pressed high, forcing a hurried clearance from Derijck that fell straight to Benjamin who lingered in midfield.

His first touch was silky, cushioning the ball as he turned sharply to evade his markers sliding tackle, and immediately looking for the forward run of Johannsson.

[Benjamin again, pulling the strings,] Mike said, his voice climbing. [He’s been everywhere tonight. What’s he got left in the tank?]

Benjamin spotted Beerens making a darting run down the right wing and released the ball with a perfectly weighted pass.

The winger latched onto it, his pace too much for his marker, Zanka, to handle. Beerens reached the byline and cut back onto his right foot, whipping in a dangerous cross.

[Great delivery from Beerens—] Mike started, his voice full of excitement.

The cross dipped toward the near post, where Johannsson slipped through Bouma and Marcelo, his header glancing toward the bottom corner.

Waterman was already diving on instinct, his outstretched fingers brushing the ball just enough to deflect it wide for a corner.

[Waterman saves again!] Mike shouted. [How many times are we going to say his name tonight?]

[That’s top-class goalkeeping,] the co-commentator said, shaking his head. [Johannsson did everything right there, but Waterman is in the form of his life!]

The PSV fans erupted in applause as their goalkeeper got to his feet, pounding his chest and urging his teammates on.

Meanwhile, the AZ Alkmaar players regrouped in the 18 yard box, determination etched on their faces.

[Another corner for AZ Alkmaar,] Mike said. [You just feel like one of them is going to break through eventually]

Benjamin stepped up to take the corner, his movements calm and measured despite the pressure. He raised an arm, signaling his intent, before delivering another pinpoint ball into the box.

The cross curled toward the penalty spot, where Viergever leapt above his marker Marcelo. His header was powerful, directed low and hard toward the bottom corner.

[This is it—] Mike began, his voice rising.

But Waterman was there again, diving full stretch to his right to barely parry the ball away.

It clipped the inside of the left post and bounced out to the edge of the 18 yard box, where Adam was waiting.

[It’s still alive!] the co-commentator exclaimed. [Adam has a chance here!]

Adam struck it first time, his shot a rocket that screamed through the crowd. But somehow, Waterman reacted again, tipping the ball over the bar with his fingertips.

[Waterman, take a bow!] Mike yelled, almost breathless. [That’s unbelievable! He’s just saved PSV again!]

[How is he doing this?] the co-commentator asked, genuinely amazed. [This is one of the greatest goalkeeping performances I’ve ever seen this season]

The AZ Alkmaar fans were on their feet, their frustration mixing with reluctant admiration for the PSV goalkeeper.

On the pitch, Benjamin clapped his hands, urging his teammates to keep going.

[You can see the belief in this AZ Alkmaar team,] Mike said. [They know they’re knocking on the door. It’s just a matter of whether they can find a way through Waterman]

The game restarted with another corner, but this time, PSV cleared it long, looking to catch AZ Alkmaar on the break.

Memphis Depay sprinted after the loose ball, his pace threatening to leave the AZ Alkmaar defenders behind.

[Here come PSV on the counter,] Mike said, the tension in his voice rising. [Memphis Depay has space, and he’s got Depay to his left!]

Depay surged forward shocking speed, skipping past Marcellis with a burst of acceleration.

He played a quick one-two with Dries Mertens, and the return pass from the Belgian sliced through the AZ Alkmaar defense like a knife through butter.

And suddenly, Depay was through on goal, charging into the 18 yard box with only Alvarado to beat.

[This could be it!] the co-commentator shouted. [Memphis Depay is in!]

Depay pulled his leg back and fired low toward the far corner. Alvarado reacted instantly, diving to his right and barely getting a hand on the ball to push it wide.

CLANG!!!

The ball struck the outside of the right bar before rolling out for a corner.

[Alvarado saves! Unbelievable from both goalkeepers tonight!] Mike exclaimed. [This game just doesn’t stop with the surprises!]

The PSV fans groaned in unison, their heads in their hands as the AZ Alkmaar supporters roared in appreciation for their goalkeeper.

The tension was unbearable, and the clock ticking closer to the last few minutes.

[We’re in the final two minute of added time,] Mike said, his voice tight with anticipation. [Two last chances, maybe?]

Memphis Depay jogged over to take the corner, adjusting his socks as the crowd roared in anticipation.

Alvarado organized his defenders, shouting instructions over the din, while the AZ Alkmaar players crowded the six-yard box, determined to clear the danger and avoid a late sting.

[This is it, Mike,] the co-commentator said, his tone low and tense. [Every player out there knows the stakes. One mistake, and it’s game over]

Depay raised an arm to signal his intent and sent in a teasing delivery toward the far post. The ball hung in the air before dropping into the chaos of bodies, where players jostled and tangled for position.

[It’s a dangerous ball from Memphis Depay—] Mike started, but his words were quickly swallowed by the unfolding chaos.

The initial header from Bouma due to Reijnen’s challenge was weak, looping straight up into the air rather than toward the goal.

Alvarado hesitated slightly, his eyes tracking the ball as it descended back into the crowd of players.

[It’s gone loose! Who’s getting to it first?] the co-commentator exclaimed, leaning forward in his seat.