Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 178: Lord Have Mercy!

Chapter 178: Lord Have Mercy!

Alongside him, Steven Berghuis, and Fernando Lewis also prepared to enter.

[This is exactly what SC Veendam didn’t want to see,] the co-commentator said with a chuckle. [Fresh legs, and not just any fresh legs—two of AZ Alkmaar’s brightest talents. Lord have mercy on them]

[Amen] Mike added with a chuckle

Fweeeee!~

The fourth official raised his board, the glowing red and green numbers signaling the changes.

[And here come the substitutions for AZ Alkmaar,] Mike announced. [Jóhann Guðmundsson is making way after a fantastic shift, and on comes Benjamin Rijkaard. A big moment for the young winger]

The home crowd erupted, recognizing the cup debut of their promising youngster.

Benjamin jogged onto the pitch, exchanging a quick handshake with Guðmundsson, who patted him on the back in encouragement.

[Look at that,] his co-commentator noted. [Guðmundsson gets his standing ovation, and rightly so. A goal and a dominant performance. But now, all eyes on this young man, Benjamin Yinka Rijkaard. Let’s see what he’s got]

Mike nodded. [And it’s not just him! Roy Beerens is off, Steven Berghuis is on. And there’s one more—Aron Jóhannsson’s night is done, and the young Fernando Lewis takes his place]

The fresh legs brought another wave of energy into the AZ Alkmaar lineup, while on the other side, SC Veendam’s bench scrambled to respond.

[And look at this,] Mike continued, as the visitors prepared their own changes. [SC Veendam’s manager isn’t wasting any time. He’s making his own adjustments, but let’s be honest, these aren’t attacking substitutions]

Three players stood near the fourth official, their expressions grim.

[Oh, you can tell what this is,] the co-commentator chuckled. [It’s damage control. It’s let’s-just-get-out-of-here-without-conceding-ten more]

Mike laughed. [Exactly. We’re seeing a defensive midfielder come on, another center-back, and a fresh full-back. This is as defensive as it gets]

Fweeee!

As the substitutions were confirmed, the game restarted with AZ Alkmaar in possession.

Benjamin quickly found his position on the left wing, his movements sharp, and eager to make an impact.

[Watch him,] Mike said, his voice tinged with excitement. [This kid’s got pace, skill, and a shifty eye for goals]

Benjamin’s first touch and involvement came almost immediately. Overtoom, playing deeper now, clipped a pass into space.

Benjamin took off, his acceleration electric as he left his marker in the dust.

[Here he goes!] Mike’s tone lifted. [Benjamin’s first touch is a good one, and he’s got room to run!]

The crowd’s anticipation swelled as Benjamin drove forward, his feet a blur as he approached the edge of the 18 yard box. The SC Veendam defenders, already weary, scrambled to close him down.

[He’s taking them on—]

A quick step-over, a feint to the right, and then—bang!—he darted left, cutting inside with ease.

[Oh, that’s lovely footwork!] his co-commentator exclaimed. [He’s still going!]

Benjamin spotted Fernando Lewis making a darting run at the far post. He shaped to cross, but instead, he took a gamble—lifting a curling shot toward the top corner.

[He’s gone for goal—!]

Fwooosh!~

The ball dipped late, forcing Nienhuis into a frantic backpedal. The goalkeeper leaped, his fingers outstretched to the limits—

THWACK!

Off the crossbar!

The rebound ricocheted downward, bouncing off the goal line before being hacked away at the last second.

[Off the bar again! Benjamin Rijkaard nearly scores with his first real touch of the game!]

The home crowd groaned in disbelief with hands on their heads, while Benjamin himself stood frozen for a moment, his eyes wide. He had nearly marked his cup debut with an absolute stunner.

[What an introduction that would’ve been!] Mike shouted. [He struck that beautifully! Just inches away from his first senior goal!]

His co-commentator let out a breath. [And you have to feel for Nienhuis. He’s had to work harder in this match than in his entire season combined]

The ball had gone out for a corner, and the AZ Alkmaar fans were on their feet, chanting Benjamin’s name.

The young winger clapped in acknowledgment before jogging to his position.

[That was a statement,] Mike said. [He’s just come on, and already he’s showing confidence. SC Veendam’s defense is in for a long, long final stretch]

[And if AZ Alkmaar keeps pushing like this,] his co-commentator added, [double digits might just be a matter of time]

The game wasn’t over yet. And with these fresh legs on the field, the final Chapters were still being written.

Overtoom placed the ball at the corner flag, taking a deep breath as he glanced toward the 18 yard box.

The AZ Alkmaar players crowded the penalty area, jostling for position, while SC Veendam’s defenders clung onto their marks, desperation written across their faces.

[Big chance here for the men in red and white,] Mike said, his voice steady with anticipation. [AZ Alkmaar knocking on the door again. Can they finally break through to double figures?]

Overtoom raised his arm before swinging in a fierce, curling delivery toward the penalty spot. The ball cut through the air, dipping dangerously as bodies crashed together in a sea of red and yellow jerseys.

[That’s a wicked ball in from the Dutchman—]

The new boy, Fernando Lewis, powered his way through the central defenders of SC Veendam, rising above the pack to meet it. His forehead connected cleanly, driving the ball toward the bottom corner.

[Fernando Lewis with the header—]

Nienhuis reacted instinctively, diving low to his right. His fingertips grazed the ball just enough to push it onto the post.

[Unbelievable save!] the co-commentator shouted. [Nienhuis is keeping his team in this single-handedly!]

The rebound fell into a chaotic scramble. Benjamin, who was lurking near the edge of the 18 yard box, pounced first.

With a sharp touch, he pushed the ball away from a lunging marker, setting himself up for a bullet strike.

[It’s still alive—Benjamin Rijkaard!]

He struck it cleanly, a venomous shot slicing through the defenders.

THUD!

A last-ditch block from an SC Veendam defender sent the ball spinning away, deflecting out toward the right flank.