Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 227: Freekick Masterclass

Francesco Guidolin turned away, muttering under his breath. His team, who had played with a man advantage for so long, were now level in numbers.

Benjamin sat up as the medics checked him over. A brief exchange ensued between them, followed by a nod, and then he was on his feet, rolling his ankle carefully. He was fine.

The away crowd erupted in cheers.

[David, Benjamin is back up! That’s a warrior’s mentality right there!]

[And Marco, the good news for AZ Alkmaar faithfuls—It’s all square now! Ten men each! Game on!]

Gertjan Verbeek clapped his hands, shouting instructions. His players responded with newfound energy, their belief surging.

They could do this... They would do this. The final minutes were going to be a war.

Gertjan Verbeek wasted no time. He turned back to the bench, his eyes locked on Adam Maher.

"Now!" he barked.

Adam nodded, already stretching his legs as the fourth official raised the substitution board.

[Here comes Adam Maher, David! This is Gertjan Verbeek’s last throw of the dice!]

[And Marco, it’s a smart one. Adam’s got vision, composure—he could be the key to unlocking Udinese’s defense]

The change was made quickly. Martens jogged off, exchanging a firm handshake with Adam before heading to the bench. The crowd roared, urging AZ Alkmaar forward.

The game restarted with a free kick. Henriksen stood over the ball, glancing up at the packed Udinese 18 yard box. He took a deep breath, then swung in a dangerous cross.

The delivery was perfect.

Altidore rose the highest, towering over Danilo’s replacement. He met the ball cleanly, powering a header toward goal.

[ALTIDORE—!]

Brkić reacted instinctively, diving to his left and parrying the ball away. It wasn’t over yet—the rebound fell to Adam!

[ADAM MAHER! FIRST TOUCH—!]

Adam struck it first-time, drilling a shot toward the bottom corner—only for Domizzi to throw himself in the way, blocking it with his outstretched leg.

[SO CLOSE! ADAM MAHER NEARLY MADE AN INSTANT IMPACT!]

[David, AZ Alkmaar are knocking at the door! Udinese are hanging on by a thread!]

The ball was cleared frantically, but only as far as Johansson, who quickly recycled possession. AZ Alkmaar weren’t slowing down.

Adam got on the ball again, scanning for movement. He spotted Benjamin drifting into space on the left and threaded a pinpoint pass into his feet.

Benjamin turned sharply, his first touch immaculate. Basta was there again, but the Udinese defender was hesitant now, wary of committing.

Benjamin feinted left, then cut inside, leaving Basta flat-footed. He charged toward the edge of the 18 yard box, his eyes locked on goal.

[Benjamin... he’s going for it!]

He pulled his foot back—

But before he could shoot, Pinzi came flying in from behind, clipping his ankle just enough to disrupt him.

Benjamin stumbled but stayed on his feet, regaining control.

Fweeeee!

[That’s a foul! The referee’s given it!]

[A huge opportunity for AZ Alkmaar here, David! A free kick in a perfect position!]

Benjamin placed the ball down, taking a step back. Henriksen stood beside him, exchanging a quick look.

Brkić adjusted his wall, barking orders. The Udinese players jostled for position, knowing this was a crucial moment.

The referee stepped back, raising his whistle to his lips. The tension in the stadium was suffocating.

Benjamin inhaled deeply, eyes locked on the ball. Henriksen gave him a nod before stepping aside.

[David, this is it. A golden chance to pull one back]

[Marco, the distance is just right—this is Benjamin’s range!]

Brkić crouched low, his eyes darting between the ball and the AZ Alkmaar players in the 18 yard box. The Udinese wall stood firm with five men lined up shoulder to shoulder.

Fweeeee!~

The whistle blew.

Benjamin took three steps forward, planting his left foot firmly as he swung his right boot through the ball.

It was a perfect hit.

The strike curled over the wall, dipping viciously toward the top left corner. Brkić reacted late, scrambling to his right—

But he wasn’t getting there.

The ball crashed into the back of the net, sending the AZ Alkmaar fans into a frenzy. Benjamin sprinted toward the corner flag, fists clenched, roaring into the night.

GOOOOAAAAALLLLLL!!!~

[IT’S IN! BENJAMIN SCORES! GAME ON!]

[David, what a strike! Benjamin has given AZ Alkmaar a lifeline!]

[Marco, that was top-class! Brkić had no chance!]

Gertjan Verbeek pumped his fists on the sideline, screaming instructions as his players rushed to restart the game. They had momentum now.

The scoreboard updated [Udinese 2-1 AZ Alkmaar]

There was only twenty minutes left to go.

[David, Udinese are showing their experience here. They’re not panicking, they’re trying to slow the game down and take back control.]

[Right, Marco. But AZ Alkmaar’s energy is different now. They believe they can turn this around!]

Pinzi received the ball near the halfway line and immediately looked forward. Muriel had peeled off his marker, making a sharp diagonal run into space.

Pinzi didn’t hesitate—he lifted a perfectly weighted pass over the top. Muriel was through.

[Here comes Udinese! Muriel is in behind! Danger for AZ Alkmaar!]

The Colombian forward let the ball bounce once before taking it in stride, racing toward the 18 yard box. Johansson was chasing, but Muriel was too quick.

He reached the 18-yard box, lifted his head, and squared it across goal—

[DI NATALE!]

The Udinese captain lunged forward, sliding in for the tap-in—But he mistimed it.

[He missed it! He missed it! Di Natale can’t believe it!]

[David, that should have been Udinese’s third! That was an open goal!]

Di Natale sat on the turf with his hands on his head. The Udinese bench was in disbelief. Muriel stared in frustration, knowing that was the moment to kill the game.

AZ Alkmaar breathed a sigh of relief.

But Udinese weren’t done.

Moments later, they won a free kick on the right flank. The ball was whipped in, curling dangerously toward the far post.

Domizzi rose above everyone, meeting it with a powerful header.

[Domizzi—!]