Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 206: No Goal!

Chapter 206: No Goal!

AZ Alkmaar kept the ball moving, searching for gaps in Waalwijk’s defense. Martens took a touch, scanning the field before threading a pass to Elm, who immediately played it forward to Benjamin.

[Benjamin receives it now,] Mike said. [We haven’t seen much from him yet in the second half, but he’s got the ability to create something out of nothing]

Benjamin let the ball roll across his body, taking a step to his right before shifting it quickly to his left, leaving his marker off balance.

The crowd murmured as he accelerated toward the 18 yard box.

[That’s brilliant footwork!] the co-commentator exclaimed.

With a sharp glance, Benjamin spotted Altidore making a near-post run. He curled a low ball into the danger area—

Altidore lunged, stretching a leg—

But the Waalwijk goalkeeper, Jan Willem van den Kieboom, reacted quickly, diving to smother the cross.

[Great goalkeeping,] Mike noted. [Kieboom read that early and got down fast. If that ball had reached Altidore, we might be talking about 4-2 right now]

Kieboom wasted no time, punting the ball upfield. Lieder rose, battling Reijnen for the aerial duel. The ball spilled loose, and Boukhari pounced.

[Now Waalwijk have space!] the co-commentator said, excitement creeping into his voice.

Boukhari took a heavy touch forward, surging past Gorter. The home crowd roared, urging him on.

[This is dangerous for AZ Alkmaar!]

Boukhari reached the edge of the 18 yard box and cut inside, looking to curl one toward the far post. He swung his foot back—

But Viergever stepped in, blocking the shot with a well-timed tackle. The ball deflected out for a corner.

[That’s a massive challenge from Viergever!] Mike shouted. [He needed to get that right, and he did. Boukhari was ready to pull the trigger!]

The camera zoomed in on Boukhari, shaking his head in frustration.

[RKC Waalwijk are knocking on the door,] the co-commentator said. [That late first-half goal gave them belief, and they’re playing with real intent now]

[This game is far from over,] Mike added. [One goal can shift everything]

The corner was swung in, curling dangerously toward the six-yard box.

Alvarado rose high, punching it clear under pressure. The ball landed at Elm’s feet, and AZ Alkmaar wasted no time springing forward.

[And here they go!] Mike said. [A chance to break with numbers!]

Elm played it to Henriksen, who drove through midfield before slotting it wide to Berghuis.

The winger didn’t hesitate, cutting inside and threading a perfect pass to Altidore near the edge of the 18 yard box.

[Altidore holds it up well, waiting for support—]

Martens arrived late, charging forward. Altidore laid it off perfectly into his path.

[Martens! He’s through!]

Martens took a touch inside the box, steadied himself, then fired a low shot toward the bottom corner—

But Kieboom got down quickly, stretching a hand to push it wide!

[What a save from Kieboom!] the co-commentator exclaimed. [That looked like a certain goal!]

Martens threw his hands up in frustration, running a hand through his hair. He knew he should have buried that.

[AZ Alkmaar knocking on the door now,] Mike added. [They’re moving the ball with real intent, trying to restore their two-goal cushion]

The game restarted with a short goal kick, but AZ Alkmaar pressed high. Henriksen intercepted a loose pass, immediately feeding Benjamin on the left wing.

[Benjamin now, one-on-one with his man—]

He sized up his marker, dropped a shoulder, then exploded past him, cutting into the 18 yard box. The crowd rose in anticipation.

[He’s got options in the middle!]

Benjamin kept his head up, spotting Berghuis arriving unmarked at the far post. He curled a precise cross toward him—

Berghuis met it first-time, striking it with power—

But the ball smashed against the crossbar!

CLANG!!!~

[Oh, my word! Berghuis rattles the bar!] Mike shouted.

The rebound fell to Altidore, who swung a boot at it—

But his shot flew just over!

[How has that not gone in?!] the co-commentator exclaimed. [First the crossbar, then Altidore sends it inches over! RKC Waalwijk are living dangerously now!]

Altidore placed his hands on his head, disbelief etched on his face.

[AZ Alkmaar have had two golden chances in the last three minutes,] Mike said. [First Martens, now Berghuis and Altidore. If they don’t take one soon, RKC Waalwijk might just grow in confidence]

The home crowd, sensing their luck, erupted into chants, urging their team forward. The game was still there for the taking.

RKC Waalwijk, energized by their close call, pushed forward. A long ball from the back found Lieder, who battled with Reijnen near the edge of the 18 yard box.

The ball popped loose, and van Dijk pounced, forcing a corner off Viergever’s block.

[Another set-piece for RKC Waalwijk,] Mike noted. [We saw how dangerous they were last time]

[They need to make this count,] the co-commentator replied. [They’ve been growing into this second half]

The home crowd buzzed as the corner was whipped in, curling toward the near post. Bodies clashed in the box—Alvarado jumped but missed it—

The ball deflected off a Waalwijk player and bounced into the net!

The stadium erupted.

GOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLL!!!~

[It’s in! RKC Waalwijk have pulled level! It’s 3-3 on the scoreboard] Mike shouted.

Van Dijk wheeled away in celebration with his fists clenched, and teammates swarming him—

But wait—

Fweeeee!~

The referee had his hand raised, signaling something.

[Hold on,] the co-commentator said. [The referee isn’t pointing to the center circle. Something’s off here]

The AZ Alkmaar players protested immediately, Alvarado and Henriksen surrounding the official. The replay flashed on the screen—

The ball had struck van Dijk’s arm just before crossing the line.

[Oh, that’s clear as day,] Mike said. [The ball bounces off his arm before it goes in. This won’t stand]

The referee jogged over to consult with his assistant. The RKC Waalwijk players waited, tense. The crowd murmured, sensing the decision was coming—

And there it was.

[No goal! Handball against van Dijk!]

BOOOOOOO!!!~

Boos rained down from the stands. Van Dijk threw his arms up in frustration, shaking his head.

[RKC Waalwijk thought they had their third, but the referee got it right,] the co-commentator said. [It’s unlucky, but by the letter of the law, that’s handball]

[That could be a huge moment in this match,] Mike added. [RKC Waalwijk were inches away from making this a three-all game. Now they have to reset and go again]