Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 202: Agonizing Miss

Chapter 202: Agonizing Miss

As the celebrations died down and the players jogged back into position, the scoreboard now read 3-1 in favor of AZ Alkmaar.

[Still plenty of football left,] Mike reminded the viewers. [But that was a statement goal from AZ Alkmaar]

The game restarted, but the energy had shifted once again. AZ Alkmaar weren’t just leading—they were back in control.

Benjamin jogged back into position, his pulse still racing. The roar of the away fans echoed around the stadium, their voices filled with renewed energy.

Altidore, still hyped from his goal, exchanged a quick fist bump with Henriksen before refocusing.

[AZ Alkmaar have sent a message with that goal,] Mike said, his tone brimming with excitement. [They weren’t about to let RKC Waalwijk get back into this one]

[Absolutely,] his co-commentator agreed. [And let’s give credit to Benjamin for that assist. The kid’s been electric down the left flank all game. One goal and one assist to his name tonight]

Fweeeee!~

The game restarted with a quick pass from RKC Waalwijk, but AZ Alkmaar’s press was immediate.

Henriksen and Altidore closed in fast, forcing a rushed clearance from Mulder. It wasn’t a clean hit—the ball skidded toward the right side, where Gorter was already advancing.

[Gorter wins it back,] Mike noted. [AZ Alkmaar are hungry for more]

The left-back wasted no time, playing a sharp pass into Benjamin’s feet. The young winger turned swiftly, his first touch immaculate as he faced his marker.

[Oh, here we go again—Benjamin one-on-one with his man]

The defender hesitated, knowing Benjamin had the pace to blow past him. Instead of forcing his way through, Benjamin cut inside this time, dragging the ball with his left foot before shifting it back to his right.

[Lovely footwork!]

With just enough space, he unleashed a powerful shot toward the far post.

The ball swerved violently through the air, dipping at the last moment.

Van den Kieboom reacted late, his body twisting as he tried to adjust.

[Benjamin goes for it—]

The ball crashed against the crossbar, rattling the frame before bouncing down onto the goal line.

Gasps rippled through the stadium.

[OFF THE BAR! SO CLOSE!]

Before anyone could react, Henriksen lunged forward, trying to nod in the rebound.

But before he could get a clean touch, Boukhari threw himself in the way, heading the ball clear.

[RKC Waalwijk just about survive! But AZ Alkmaar are relentless!]

The clearance rolled toward Martens, who wasted no time, curling a first-time pass toward the right flank where Berghuis was lurking.

[Look at this, they’re not slowing down!]

Berghuis controlled it effortlessly, lifting his head before swinging in a dangerous cross.

Once again, Altidore was the target.

The striker muscled past his defender, his powerful frame allowing him just enough space to leap.

[Altidore’s there again—]

He met the ball with his forehead, directing it down toward the bottom corner.

Van den Kieboom scrambled, stretching desperately—

But the ball bounced just wide.

[OH, SO CLOSE!]

Altidore held his head in his hands, disbelief etched across his face.

[AZ Alkmaar are throwing everything at RKC Waalwijk right now,] Mike said, shaking his head. [This could easily be four, five goals by now]

[If RKC Waalwijk aren’t careful, they might be in for a long night,] his co-commentator added.

The crowd’s energy was electric, sensing another goal was coming. AZ Alkmaar had their opponents pinned, refusing to let them breathe.

Benjamin wiped his forehead again, his eyes burning with focus.

Despite AZ Alkmaar’s dominance, RKC Waalwijk weren’t backing down. They knew a second goal before halftime could change everything. And in the 41st minute, they got their chance.

It started with a sharp interception in midfield. Boukhari, reading the play well, stepped in front of Elm’s pass and poked the ball forward to Nasir.

[RKC Waalwijk are on the break here!] Mike’s voice sharpened. [They’ve got space to exploit!]

Nasir didn’t hesitate. He turned sharply and played a quick one-two with El Makrini, slicing through AZ Alkmaar’s midfield.

Suddenly, the pitch opened up. Only three defenders stood between RKC Waalwijk and a clear chance at goal.

[This looks dangerous,] the co-commentator warned. [AZ Alkmaar need to regroup quickly!]

El Makrini drove forward, his strides long and purposeful. Out wide, Lieder made a bursting run, signaling for the ball.

El Makrini spotted him and delivered a perfectly weighted pass into his path.

[Lieder’s in behind! This is a huge opportunity!] Mike exclaimed.

The forward took a brilliant first touch, keeping the ball in stride as he closed in on the 18 yard box.

Marcellis rushed across, trying to cut off the angle, but Lieder was quick. With one sharp feint, he shifted the ball onto his right foot, sending Marcellis off balance.

[Brilliant movement from Lieder—he’s one-on-one with the goalkeeper!]

Alvarado, sensing the danger, charged off his line, making himself as big as possible. The goal was gaping, the moment ripe. Lieder had time. He had space.

He had to score.

He struck the ball low, aiming for the far corner—

But he scuffed it.

[Oh, he’s missed it!] Mike’s voice cracked in disbelief.

The shot lacked conviction, rolling agonizingly wide of the post.

[Lieder won’t want to see that again,] his co-commentator groaned. [That was the chance to pull RKC Waalwijk right back into this game!]

Lieder stood frozen, hands on his head, disbelief etched across his face. Joachim clutched his knees, staring at the missed opportunity.

The RKC Waalwijk bench let out a collective groan, knowing how crucial that moment had been.

[That was golden, Mike,] the co-commentator continued. [You have to bury those at this level. No excuses]

Alvarado exhaled, relieved. His teammates clapped in his direction, appreciating his presence of mind to come off his line and force the mistake.

[AZ Alkmaar get away with one there,] Mike said. [That could’ve been a game-changer right before halftime]

The miss had sucked the energy out of the RKC supporters, while the AZ Alkmaar fans roared in defiance. They knew their team had dodged a bullet.