Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 175: Halftime Analysis

Chapter 175: Halftime Analysis

But AZ Alkmaar weren’t backing off.

Overtoom pressed high, forcing Bannink to turn backward. Panic flickered in the SC Veendam midfielder’s eyes as he played a rushed ball toward his center-back.

Jan Korthuis’ first touch was poor, straying further from him.

Johannsson immediately pounced.

[Oh no, they’ve lost it again!] the co-commentator gasped. [AZ Alkmaar are coming forward once more!]

Johannsson flicked a pass into the path of Beerens, who didn’t hesitate. He stormed into the 18 yard box, dragging defenders with him.

[Beerens again! SC Veendam just can’t handle him!] Mike shouted.

A quick feint to the right, and a sharp cut inside with his left foot. The defenders lunged—too late. Beerens curled a shot toward the far post.

The crowd held its breath.

Nienhuis reacted, stretching out his right hand—

SMACK!

His fingertips connected just enough to prevent an eight goal.

The ball deflected inches wide of the post and out for a corner.

[That’s a fantastic save!] the co-commentator exclaimed. [Beerens thought that was in!]

Beerens clutched his head, then turned to applaud the goalkeeper’s effort.

The referee glanced at his watch.

[We’re seconds away from halftime,] Mike said. [AZ Alkmaar have one last chance before the break]

Overtoom jogged to the corner flag, wiping sweat off his forehead. He placed the ball down and took a few steps back. Inside the box, bodies jostled for position.

Fweeee!

The referee blew his whistle and Overtoom swung in the corner—

And just as the ball curled toward the penalty spot—

Fweeee!~ Fweeeee!~

The referee pointed to his whistle and then motioned toward the tunnel.

[That’s it! Halftime in the second round of the KNVB Beker!] Mike announced. [What a half from AZ Alkmaar! Seven goals in forty-five minutes! You couldn’t script it better!]

The camera panned across the pitch. SC Veendam’s players looked like they wanted the ground to swallow them whole.

AZ Alkmaar’s players, on the other hand, walked off with heads high, and grins wide.

[If you’re SC Veendam, what do you even say in the locker room after this?] the co-commentator asked.

Mike chuckled. [I don’t know, but whatever’s said, they better pray it works out like a miracle. Because if AZ Alkmaar keep this up, this could get even worse. And don’t forget, they still have dangerous players like Benjamin Rijkaard, and Steven Berghuis, sitting on the bench]

***

The energy inside the AFAS Stadion remained electric and the home fans buzzed with excitement, a contrast to the dull and gloomy expression of the away supporters.

The scoreboard read HT: 7-0, a number that felt almost unreal. It’s like a fantasy kind of tale from the elderly.

Inside the commentary booth, Mike leaned back in his chair, letting out a long unhurried breath.

[Well, I don’t think any of us expected this scoreline at halftime,] he said, shaking his head. [Seven goals in one half? That’s the highest first-half scoreline in the history of the KNVB Beker. AZ Alkmaar has just ripped SC Veendam apart]

[It’s been absolute domination from the home side,] his co-commentator agreed. [From the first whistle of the game, they’ve been relentless. Every attack and set-piece feels like a goal waiting to happen]

Mike chuckled, running a hand through his notes. [Let’s talk about that opening fifteen minutes. Three goals before SC Veendam even knew what hit them. What went wrong for the visitors?]

[Where do we even start?] his partner replied with a short laugh. [Their defensive shape was nonexistent. It’s like they stepped onto the pitch expecting a light training session and not playing against a top Eredivisie team. But AZ Alkmaar? They smelled blood immediately]

Mike nodded. [And once the first goal went in, it just felt like SC Veendam collapsed, didn’t it? It was like a dam breaking loose]

[Absolutely. You could see it in their body language. Their confidence shattered, shoulders slumped. And AZ Alkmaar took full advantage]

The screen shifted to a replay of the opening goal—Aron Jóhannsson’s tap-in in close range from a squared Beerens cross.

[Speaking of taking advantage, let’s talk about the man leading the charge—Aron Jóhannsson,] Mike continued. [A hat-trick in just over twenty-two minutes. What a performance from the 22 years old]

[Oh, he’s been unplayable tonight,] the co-commentator said without hesitation. [Strong, clinical, ruthless. Everything you want from a striker. SC Veendam’s defenders just can’t handle him. Every time he gets into the 18 ybox, you feel like something’s going to happen]

Another replay played—Altidore’s second goal, a thunderous strike into the bottom corner.

[And it’s not just him,] Mike added. [Despite being the second choice of almost every position, this AZ Alkmaar side looks like they’re enjoying themselves. Beerens has been everywhere, Overtoom pulling the strings, Adam arriving late into the 18 yard box. It’s been a footballing masterclass]

[On the other hand, SC Veendam look like they’re in complete shock,] the co-commentator noted. [You have to feel for them and their manager. This is turning into a nightmare]

[The big question now,] Mike said, leaning forward, [is what happens in the second half. Do AZ Alkmaar take their foot off the gas? Or do they keep pushing for more?]

His co-commentator let out a small chuckle. [Knowing Gertjan Verbeek, I don’t think they’ll stop. And let’s not forget—there are still players like Benjamin Rijkaard and Steven Berghuis waiting on the bench]

[Oh, you just know Benjamin is itching to get on the pitch,] Mike said with a grin. [He’s been in fine form lately. If he gets minutes, I wouldn’t be surprised if he adds his name to the scoresheet]

[It’s a terrifying thought for SC Veendam, isn’t it? Seven goals down, and AZ Alkmaar still have game-changers waiting to come on]

The halftime clock continued to count down. The players would soon be back on the pitch.

[Well, we’ll find out soon enough,] Mike said. [Will AZ Alkmaar continue this demolition? Or will SC Veendam somehow salvage a bit of pride? Stick with us. The second half is just around the corner]