Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 187: Chances Of Silverware?

Chapter 187: Chances Of Silverware?

The cameras zoomed in on Benjamin as he lifted the small glass trophy, flashing a modest smile before walking fast toward the tunnel amidst the frantic chase of the reporters, still buzzing with adrenaline.

[You have to feel for SC Veendam,] the co-commentator said, his tone shifting slightly. [Sixteen goals is as brutal as it gets, and it could’ve been even worse if not for Nienhuis making some incredible saves]

Mike exhaled sharply. [Yeah, and look at their players—completely drained and mentally tormented. This wasn’t just a loss to them; this was a nightmare. They’ll want to put this behind them as soon as possible]

The screen showed Nienhuis, the SC Veendam goalkeeper, leaning against the goalpost with a blank stare. His gloves hung loosely in his hands, his mind likely replaying every goal he conceded.

[And speaking of Nienhuis,] the co-commentator continued, [I know it sounds odd when you look at the scoreline, but he actually had some fantastic moments tonight. He made some top saves. It could’ve easily been twenty if not for him]

Mike chuckled. [Football is cruel sometimes. A goalkeeper makes ten saves, but the world only remembers the goals he conceded]

The broadcast then cut to Gertjan Verbeek on the sidelines with his arms crossed, and a small smirk on his face as he walked toward the tunnel.

[You can see it on Gertjan Verbeek’s face,] the co-commentator noted. [That’s a satisfied manager. His team played with hunger, urgency, and complete dominance]

Mike agreed. [This was a statement win, no doubt about it. The way AZ Alkmaar played, the fluidity, the aggression—they looked like a team that means business]

As the analysis continued, highlights of the game flashed on screen—the slick passing, the relentless pressing, and, of course, the goals. One by one, each finish was replayed, showcasing just how ruthless AZ Alkmaar had been.

[Let’s talk about Benjamin Rijkaard again,] Mike said as the footage cut to his four goals. [His first was a composed finish inside the 18 yard box, his second a perfectly timed replica. The third? A brilliant solo effort. And that fourth goal? Pure instinct]

[And that’s why he was given the Man of the Match,] the co-commentator replied. [He showed every quality you want in an attacker tonight. Vision, composure, and the ability to step up in big moments]

The replay of his final goal—his first-time strike from the edge of the 18 yard box—played once more, the ball rifling through a sea of bodies before nestling in the bottom corner.

[That’s a finish of a player with confidence,] Mike observed. [He didn’t hesitate. He just hit it]

[And you can tell he’s got that killer instinct,] the co-commentator added. [For someone so young, that’s special]

The footage returned to live coverage, showing the AZ Alkmaar players making their way down the tunnel, exchanging final waves to the crowd.

[Any thoughts?] Mike asked.

[Well, what more can you say? A record-breaking night, a stunning performance, and a young winger proving why he’s one to watch. If you’re an AZ Alkmaar fan, you’ll be talking about this one for a long time]

Mike smiled. [Couldn’t have said it better myself. AZ Alkmaar march on in the KNVB Beker, and with performances like this, they’ll fancy their chances of going all the way]

[Say, what do you think are their chances of clinching silverware this season?] Mike posed the question with genuine curiosity. [They’re putting in top performances in the Eredivisie, making waves in the Europa League, and of course, they’re still in the KNVB Beker]

The co-commentator hummed in thought before replying. [You have to say they’re in with a real shot. Look at their consistency—they’re not just winning games, they’re dominating them]

The screen flashed with AZ Alkmaar’s current statistics across the three competitions: an impressive win percentage, their defensive solidity, and, most notably, their goal-scoring record.

[And speaking of goals,] Mike continued, [they’re spreading them around nicely, aren’t they?]

A new graphic popped up, listing the club’s scorers in tonight’s game:

Benjamin Rijkaard – 4 goals

Aron Jóhannsson – 3 goals

Steven Berghuis – 2 goals

Roy Beerens – 2 goals

Guðmundsson – 2 goals

Overtoom – 1 goal

Adam – 1 goal

Fernando Lewis – 1 goal

[That’s a healthy mix,] the co-commentator noted. [When multiple players are contributing, it makes them so much harder to defend against]

[Exactly,] Mike agreed. [You take one out of the game, and another steps up. That’s what makes this AZ Alkmaar team so dangerous]

The highlight reel rolled again, this time focusing on each of the goal scorers.

Benjamin’s four goals played first—his composure in front of goal, the intelligence of his runs, and that stunning solo effort.

[We have to start with Benjamin Rijkaard,] Mike said, watching the clips. [Four goals, each one different, but all of them showing just how clinical he’s becoming]

[It’s scary to think he’s only going to get better,] the co-commentator added. [If he keeps this up, he’s going to be on a lot of radars come January, even before the summer break next year]

Next up was Aron Jóhannsson’s three goals—his movement in the 18 yard box, his instinctive finishing, and his ability to pop up at the right time.

[Jóhannsson’s been key as well,] Mike pointed out. [He’s not the flashiest player, but he does his job and does it well]

[Poacher’s instinct,] the co-commentator said. [Always in the right place at the right time]

The footage moved on to Berghuis and Beerens, each with two goals to their name. Both had added pace and creativity on the wings, cutting inside and making life miserable for defenders.

[Berghuis and Beerens—they bring that directness, don’t they?] Mike observed. [Always looking to take their man on, always looking to make something happen]

[And they’ve got an eye for goal too,] the co-commentator added. [Not just creators, but finishers as well]

The final few clips showcased Guðmundsson, Overtoom, Adam, and Fernando Lewis, each chipping in with important goals.

[And let’s not forget these guys,] Mike said. [A team isn’t just about the stars up top—everyone’s playing their part]

[That’s what makes them so strong,] the co-commentator agreed. [It’s a complete team effort, and that’s why they’re pushing on all fronts]

The discussion circled back to the bigger picture as the highlights ended.

[So, going back to the original question,] Mike said. [Do you think AZ Alkmaar can actually lift a trophy this season?]

The co-commentator exhaled. [Well, if they keep playing like this, why not? The Eredivisie is tough, but they’re right up there in second place. In the Europa League, they’ve proven they can compete with anyone. And in the KNVB Beker? They’re one of the favorites now]

Mike nodded. [It’s going to be a thrilling few months, that’s for sure. If they stay focused, this could be a season to remember for AZ Alkmaar]