Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 174: Seven-up

Chapter 174: Seven-up

In one swift motion, Adam regained possession and immediately looked upfield. AZ Alkmaar weren’t about to sit back.

[They’re breaking again!] Mike shouted. [This is exactly what SC Veendam were afraid of!]

With one quick pass, Overtoom sent the ball flying up the left wing, straight into the path of Beerens.

The SC Veendam players barely had time to react before he was off, sprinting down the touchline with blistering pace.

[Beerens is gone! SC Veendam have no one back!] the co-commentator said. [They could be in big trouble here!]

The stadium buzzed with anticipation as AZ Alkmaar launched yet another devastating counterattack.

Beerens tore down the left flank, the ball glued to his feet as he left his marker in the dust. The SC Veendam defenders scrambled, but they were already a step behind.

[Look at that pace!] Mike shouted. [Beerens is flying down the wing!]

Mulder rushed in, trying to close the gap, but Beerens spotted Johannsson making a darting run toward the edge of the 18 yard box. Without hesitation, he threaded a perfectly struck pass into his path.

[Oh, that’s a clever ball!] the co-commentator said. [Aron Johannsson’s in a dangerous position here!]

Johannsson took one touch to control it before shifting his body toward goal. Just as he prepared to take the shot—

THUD!

He went tumbling to the ground, his legs swiped out from under him by an SC Veendam defender.

[That’s a foul! That’s got to be a foul!] Mike cried.

The referee’s whistle shrieked across the pitch.

Fweeeee!

[And there it is!] the co-commentator exclaimed. [Johannsson was taken out just outside the 18 yard box, and AZ Alkmaar have a huge chance from this free kick!]

Johannsson winced as he sat up, rubbing his shin while his teammates rushed over. The SC Veendam players protested, but the referee was already pulling out his yellow card.

[No complaints there,] Mike said. [That was a desperate challenge. If Johannsson had gotten his shot off, we might’ve been looking at the seventh goal]

As the SC Veendam wall lined up, tension crackled through the air. The referee paced out the ten yards, ensuring everyone was in place.

[This is prime real estate for a free kick,] the co-commentator noted. [Right on the right edge of the box—perfect for a left-footer]

Beerens stood over the ball with his hands on his hips. Next to him, Adam Maher adjusted his stance, looking just as eager.

[Who’s taking this? Johannsson or Maher?] Mike wondered. [Both are capable from this range]

The stadium held its breath as the referee blew his whistle.

Fweeee!

Beerens took a deep breath, then stepped forward, his left foot slicing through the ball with precision.

WHACK!

The ball curled around the wall, dipping dangerously toward the top corner.

[It’s a beauty—] the co-commentator started.

CLANG!

The ball smashed against the post, the sharp sound echoing through the stadium.

[Oh, he’s hit the post!] Mike cried. [So close!]

The rebound spilled into the 18 yard box, chaos erupting as players scrambled to react first.

Aron Johannsson was quickest, lunging forward to poke the ball toward goal.

[Johannsson’s there! Can he finish—]

Before he could get a clean strike, Alexander Bannink lunged in from the side. His boot clipped Johannsson’s ankle.

THUMP!

Johannsson crashed to the ground.

Fweeee!

The referee’s whistle pierced the air and he unhesitatingly pointed straight to the penalty spot.

[Penalty! Penalty for AZ Alkmaar!] the co-commentator shouted.

SC Veendam’s players threw their arms up in protest, but the referee wasn’t interested. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a yellow card, holding it up for Bannink.

[No hesitation from the referee,] Mike said. [Johannsson was first to that ball, and Bannink’s late challenge took him down. Easy decision]

Johannsson pushed himself up, shaking his head as his teammates patted his back.

[That’s harsh for SC Veendam, but they brought this on themselves,] the co-commentator added. [AZ Alkmaar have been relentless, and now they have a golden chance to up their lead to seven goals before halftime]

As the crowd roared, Overtoom picked up the ball and walked toward the penalty spot.

The tension in the stadium was thick. Overtoom placed the ball carefully, taking a step back as he eyed the goal.

[This is a huge moment,] Mike said. [Seven goals before halftime would be unbelievable!]

SC Veendam’s goalkeeper, clutching his gloves, bounced on his line, trying to make himself look bigger. He stretched his arms wide, eyes locked on Overtoom.

[Look at the goalkeeper,] the co-commentator noted. [He knows this could get even uglier for SC Veendam. He has to save this]

The referee took one last glance around the 18 yard box, ensuring everyone was outside the area before blowing his whistle.

Fweeee!

Overtoom took a short run-up, his eyes locked on the bottom left corner.

SMACK!

The ball rocketed off his boot, skimming just above the grass. The goalkeeper dived—

[He’s guessed the right way—]

But it was too fast. The ball slid past his fingertips and slammed into the back of the net.

[GOAL!] the co-commentator shouted. [Overtoom makes no mistake! It’s SEVEN for AZ Alkmaar!]

GOOOOOAAAAALLLL!!!~

The crowd erupted as Overtoom pumped his fist and was swarmed by his teammates. SC Veendam’s players stood frozen, hands on their hips, staring at the scoreboard in disbelief.

[This is turning into a nightmare for SC Veendam,] Mike said. [And we’re not even at halftime yet! Two minute’s left until the halftime whistle]

SC Veendam’s players trudged back toward the center circle, their shoulders slumped. Some shook their heads, others barely made eye contact. Their nightmare wasn’t ending anytime soon.

[This is unbelievable,] Mike said, almost laughing. [Seven goals in one half? AZ Alkmaar are putting on a clinic!]

The co-commentator let out a low whistle. [At this point, SC Veendam just want the halftime whistle. They need to regroup—badly]

Fweeee!~

The referee signaled for play to resume, and SC Veendam kicked off.

The ball rolled to Mulder, who hesitated before sending a simple pass to Bannink. No risks. Just keep the ball.