Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 225: Tactical Battle

Chapter 225: Tactical Battle

[Smart move from Guidolin, David. He knows AZ Alkmaar will throw everything forward now, so he’s setting up his team to absorb the pressure.]

[Exactly, Marco. If Udinese stay disciplined, this game is theirs.]

But AZ Alkmaar weren’t done yet. They refused to go down quietly.

Johann Berg Gudmundsson jogged onto the pitch, slapping hands with Berghuis, who had barely made an impact in the second half. The Icelandic winger didn’t need any instructions—he already knew the plan.

Attack!

At the same time, Mathias Johansson replaced Victor Elm. Gertjan Verbeek’s intent was clear to the players: drop Johansson deeper into defense, pull Henriksen into midfield alongside Martens, and let Benjamin, Guðmundsson, and Altidore carry the attacking burden.

[David, Gertjan Verbeek isn’t giving up! He’s changing the shape—Johansson is dropping deep, Henriksen is sitting in midfield, and now it’s just three men up top]

[It’s a risk, Marco, but what choice does he have? They need to stop Udinese’s counters, but they also need goals. It’s a fine balance]

AZ Alkmaar restarted play quickly. Henriksen received the ball near the center circle, took a touch, and immediately spread it wide to Guðmundsson.

The fresh legs showed impact immediately. He controlled the ball smoothly and surged down the right flank, testing Gabriel Silva early.

Silva backed off, but Guðmundsson wasn’t waiting. He faked a cross, dragged the ball inside, and fired a low shot toward the near post.

Brkić reacted in a flash, diving low and parrying it away.

[Brkić again! He’s having the game of his life!]

[David, that’s a warning shot from Guðmundsson! He’s only just come on, and he’s already causing problems!]

The rebound fell to Benjamin on the opposite wing. He wasted no time, darting past Basta with a burst of speed and whipping in a cross. It was driven hard and low, curling toward Altidore at the near post.

Danilo threw himself at it, barely getting a foot in to deflect it out for a corner.

[Oh, that was close! AZ Alkmaar are throwing everything at them now, Marco!]

[They’re relentless, David. But Udinese are standing firm]

As AZ Alkmaar set up for the corner, Francesco Guidolin made his move. He signaled to the fourth official, and two substitutes got ready.

[And here we go, David. Guidolin is making his own changes now]

[Fresh legs for Udinese, Marco. He knows AZ Alkmaar are going all out, so he’s shoring up the midfield]

The board went up. Off came Maicosuel and Lazzari. On came Emmanuel Badu and Giampiero Pinzi.

[David, look at that! Udinese are locking it down. Pinzi and Badu are in—they’re going to tighten up that midfield and make life miserable for AZ Alkmaar]

[It’s the right move, Marco. Udinese are in control and it’s 69 minutes into the second half. They just need to see this out]

The corner was swung in, curling toward the penalty spot. Henriksen leapt, but Danilo got there first, heading it clear. The ball dropped to Pereyra, who immediately launched it forward.

Di Natale, waiting near the halfway line, let the ball roll past him before flicking it into space for Muriel.

The Colombian striker took off again, eating up the ground with frightening speed. Johansson and Reijnen scrambled to get back, but Muriel was already driving toward the 18 yard box.

[Oh no, David! Here they come again! Udinese on the break!]

Muriel sized up his options. Di Natale was making a run to his right. He hesitated for a split second before threading a pass toward the veteran striker.

Viergever read it. He lunged in and got a crucial toe on the ball, diverting it away at the last moment.

[That’s brilliant from Viergever! He had to get that right!]

[David, if he missed that, Di Natale was in for 3-0!]

The ball trickled toward Martens, who wasted no time turning upfield. AZ Alkmaar weren’t giving in yet.

Martens drove forward, his eyes scanning for options. Guðmundsson was already peeling wide, calling for the ball with a wave of his hand. Without hesitation, Martens sent a long diagonal pass toward him.

The Icelandic winger took it down beautifully, his first touch killing the ball’s momentum as he faced Gabriel Silva again.

This time, he didn’t hesitate. He pushed the ball past the full-back and exploded down the wing, the Udinese defender struggling to keep up.

[Look at Guðmundsson go! He’s got fresh legs, and he’s making a difference!]

[David, AZ Alkmaar are knocking on the door! They just need that final touch!]

Guðmundsson reached the byline and whipped in a cross, fast and dangerous. Altidore muscled his way between Danilo and Domizzi, rising high to meet it.

For a split second, time seemed to slow. Altidore connected with a powerful header, directing it toward the bottom corner.

Brkić, yet again, was the difference.

The Udinese goalkeeper reacted instantly, diving low and stretching out a strong right hand to parry the ball away.

[BRKIĆ AGAIN! HE’S UNSTOPPABLE TONIGHT!]

[David, this is ridiculous! That was Altidore at his best, and somehow Brkić keeps it out!]

The rebound spilled out to Benjamin, just inside the 18 yard box. He swung his boot at it, aiming for the open net—but before he could connect, Danilo threw his body in the way, deflecting the shot wide.

The stadium erupted in groans from the AZ Alkmaar fans. They had done everything but score.

[Marco, how has this not gone in?!]

[David, it’s sheer desperation from Udinese! Bodies flying everywhere! But they’re holding on!]

AZ Alkmaar won another corner. Martens hurried to take it, knowing time was running out. He swung it in toward the near post, looking for Henriksen.

But Udinese were prepared. Pinzi was first to it, heading it clear toward the midfield.

That’s when Francesco Guidolin made his final move.

He turned to his bench and shouted for Pablo Armero. The Colombian winger stripped off his warm-up gear and ran to the fourth official.

[Another change for Udinese, Marco. Guidolin’s bringing on Armero. This tells me one thing—they’re looking to hit AZ Alkmaar on the counter again]

[Absolutely, David. Armero’s pace is dangerous. AZ Alkmaar need to be careful here]