Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 166: Mayhem

Chapter 166: Mayhem

[Guðmundsson, twisting, and turning—he’s causing all sorts of problems for the SC Veendam back line!]

He feinted one way, then darted another, leaving his marker flat-footed before unleashing a driven shot—

But Mulder flung himself in the way, blocking it with his body.

[Brave defending from Mulder! He’s throwing himself at everything!]

The ball ricocheted into the air, spinning toward the penalty spot—

Jóhannsson happened to be positioned in the right spot and so he adjusted his feet, chesting it down before attempting a volley—

But Nienhuis reacted quickly, diving low to palm the shot out for a corner.

[And once again, SC Veendam’s goalkeeper keeps them alive!]

The camera zoomed in on Jóhannsson, who shook his head with hands on his hips. He knew that had been another big chance.

[AZ Alkmaar are relentless,] the commentator said. [SC Veendam need to regroup, or this could turn into a rout.]

Overtoom jogged toward the corner flag, wiping the sweat off his forehead before placing the ball down.

The fans behind him buzzed with anticipation, standing on their feet, hands raised, waiting for the delivery.

[AZ Alkmaar have been knocking on the door, and this could be the moment they hammer it down to three goals!]

Overtoom took a few steps back, his eyes scanning the 18 yard box. AZ Alkmaar had packed it—Heymans, Johansson, Wijnaldum, Reijnen, and even Haye had pushed forward.

Fweeee!

The referee blew his whistle.

Beerens swung his foot, striking the ball with precision—

The ball curled inwards, fast and deadly.

It arched toward the near post, where AZ Alkmaar left-back, Heymans, rose highest, towering over his marker—

Thump!

The header smacked off the crossbar!

CLANG!!!

Gasps resonated from the stands—

The ball bounced back into the six-yard box, chaos unfolding as players scrambled.

Gudmundsson reacted first, twisting his body for a quick half-volley—

Thud!

CLANG!!!

Again, off the bar!

[Off the woodwork again! How has that not gone in?!]

The ball shot upward, spinning wildly, before dropping right into the path of Jóhannsson—

He lunged forward, stabbing a foot at it—

CLANG!!!

But it struck the post for the third time!

The crossbar rattled as the ball rebounded back into the mix.

The entire stadium held its breath.

Bodies crashed into each other and a thousand legs flailed in an attempt to make contact with the ball.

Then, with a desperate swing, Maynard booted it away to safety—

Out... It was finally out.

The SC Veendam players and fans alike breathed a sigh of relief at the sight.

The defenders collapsed momentarily, with their hands on their knees and sucking in deep breaths.

Nienhuis clenched his fists and let out a frustrated yell at his backline.

[Unbelievable! How did that not cross the line?!]

[Three times off the bar in the span of seconds! AZ Alkmaar were inches away from putting the game to bed this early in the 16th minute!]

Jóhannsson stood frozen for a second, staring at the goal in disbelief before running his hands through his hair.

Beerens threw his head back, groaning.

The home crowd roared in support, urging their team to keep going.

On the touchline, Gertjan Verbeek let out a small chuckle, shaking his head.

That was football... Sometimes, the goal just refused to come.

[SC Veendam are living dangerously,] the co-commentator said. [But credit to them, they’re hanging on—barely]

[The question is, for how much longer?]

SC Veendam’s players took a collective breath as they pushed forward for the first time.

The clearance had landed at Mulder’s feet, and for the first time all game, he had space to turn.

[Can SC Veendam finally get something going here?]

Mulder didn’t hesitate. He looked up, spotted a run from Hoesen, and lifted a lofted pass over the top.

It wasn’t perfect, but it was enough.

Hoesen sprinted onto it, using his body to shield the ball as he controlled it with his thigh.

Reijnen was on him instantly, pressing, and jostling, not giving him an inch of space.

Hoesen twisted, then turned, searching for an option. He soon spotted an incoming run from Boussaboun.

He laid it off first-time, a quick touch into the wing back’s path.

[Now, this looks promising! Boussaboun lines it up—]

Boussaboun took one touch, then another, setting himself just outside the penalty arc.

For the first time, AZ Alkmaar’s backline looked vulnerable.

He wound up his foot and let it rip.

A powerful strike... A hopeful strike...

The ball sailed—

Higher...

Higher...

Too high...

Way too high...

The home fans exhaled in amusement as the ball disappeared into the stands.

[Oh dear! That’s a wasted chance!]

[He had time, he had space... but he gets that all wrong!]

Boussaboun already knew. His hands were on his head before the ball even landed—if it ever did...

Hoesen threw his hands up in frustration. That had been SC Veendam’s first real opening, and they had squandered it.

The camera panned to the SC Veendam bench, where Gert Heerkes looked away in embarrassment, his lips pressed into a tight line.

On the other side, Gertjan Verbeek gave a simple nod. He had seen enough.

AZ Alkmaar restarted play quickly, and in seconds, they were moving forward again.

[And just like that, SC Veendam’s brief moment is over. AZ Alkmaar are back on the attack]

AZ Alkmaar wasted no time. Wijnaldum played it short to Haye, who took a quick glance upfield before spraying a diagonal pass toward Beerens on the right flank.

[AZ Alkmaar are moving with intent here—Beerens has space to run into!]

Beerens controlled it effortlessly, his first touch pushing the ball forward as he surged down the wing.

SC Veendam’s left-back, Boussaboun, rushed to close the gap, but Beerens had already made his move.

A quick step-over—then another—before he burst past, leaving Boussaboun stumbling.

[Brilliant footwork! He’s left him for dead!]

The crowd rose to their feet as Beerens approached the byline.

Mulder was tracking back, trying to cover, but Beerens didn’t hesitate. He whipped in a low, fast-driven dangerous cross into the 18 yard box.

[That’s a wicked ball into the danger area from Beerens!]