Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 241: Second-half Begins

Chapter 241: Second-half Begins

[And here comes AZ Alkmaar again!] Ronald said. [They might have time for one last attack before the half!]

Henriksen drove forward, threading a perfect pass through to Benjamin on the left.

Benjamin didn’t hesitate. He pushed the ball past Rosales and took off, sprinting into open space with the Twente defense backpedaling.

[Look at him go!] Erik shouted. [He’s got options in the middle!]

Benjamin reached the edge of the 18 yard box and whipped a low cross toward the penalty spot.

Altidore was there again but this time around he let it roll past him with a dummy, leaving it for Martens!

Martens struck it first-time—

But Douglas threw himself in front of it, making a last-ditch block!

[That was goal-bound!] Ronald said. [Douglas keeps Twente alive!]

The ball deflected high into the air, spinning out toward the right wing. The referee glanced at his watch—then blew the whistle!

Fweeee!~ Fweeeeee!~

[And that’s halftime!] Erik announced. [What a breathtaking first half! AZ Alkmaar lead 3-1, thanks to a Jozy Altidore hat-trick, but Twente have shown they still have plenty of fight left in them!]

The players walked off the pitch, some shaking their heads, others clapping their hands. Altidore exchanged a quick word with Benjamin, both of them smiling as they made their way toward the tunnel.

[This second half is going to be something special,] Ronald said. [Twente need a response, but AZ Alkmaar won’t make it easy for them!]

***

Inside the AZ Alkmaar dressing room, Gertjan Verbeek stood at the center, speaking in a firm but encouraging tone.

His players sat around him, some still catching their breath, others sipping on water as they listened intently.

[This is our game to win,] Gertjan Verbeek said, his gaze sharp. [We’ve dominated, but Twente are still dangerous. We cannot let our guard down]

He turned to Altidore, who was still buzzing from his first-half hat trick.

[Jozy, you’ve been brilliant, but stay sharp. They’ll try to double up on you in the second half. Don’t force it—play smart]

Altidore nodded, wiping sweat from his face.

Gertjan Verbeek then shifted his focus to Benjamin.

[Keep stretching them, Ben. Your pace is killing Rosales, but be mindful. If we lose the ball, they’ll try to hit us on the counter. Stay disciplined]

Benjamin nodded, rolling his shoulders.

The coach clapped his hands.

[In the aecond half, i want the same intensity. No complacency. We finish this strong]

The players responded with a collective nod, determination etched on their faces.

Meanwhile, in the Twente dressing room, Steve McClaren stood with his arms crossed, scanning the room. His players looked frustrated, some staring at the floor, others shaking their heads.

[We’re still in this,] McClaren finally said, his tone steady. [It’s 3-1, but we’ve had our chances. That last ten minutes showed what we’re capable of]

He pointed toward Tadić and Castaignos.

[I need more movement from you two. Make it harder for their center-backs. Stretch them, pull them wide, open up spaces]

They nodded, focused.

McClaren then turned to Fer and Brama.

[Win that midfield battle. AZ Alkmaar are controlling it too easily. Get tighter, be aggressive. We can’t give them time to pick passes]

He took a step back, looking at each player.

[One goal changes everything. Get one, and we’re back in this]

The players sat up straighter, absorbing his words.

[Now go out there and show them we’re not done yet]

***

Fifteen minutes later, the players emerged from the tunnel to a roaring crowd. The energy inside the stadium was electric, both sets of fans sensing an intense second half ahead.

[Welcome back, everyone,] Erik said. [If the first half was anything to go by, we’re in for a thrilling 45 minutes.]

[No doubt about it,] Ronald added. [AZ Alkmaar lead 3-1, thanks to a Jozy Altidore masterclass, but Twente have had their chances. They’ll be desperate for a response]

The camera panned to Altidore, who was adjusting his socks near the center circle.

[Altidore has been the difference so far,] Erik noted. [Three goals, and he could’ve had more. Twente’s defense hasn’t been able to handle him]

[But let’s not forget about Sander Boschker,] Ronald said. [Despite conceding three, he’s made some massive saves to keep Twente in this]

The screen cut to McClaren on the touchline with his hands in his pockets, and his expression unreadable.

[The Twente manager knows they need a strong start,] Erik continued. [An early goal could flip the momentum completely]

The players took their positions as the referee checked his watch.

Fweeeeee!~

[And we’re off for the second half!] Ronald announced.

Twente immediately pushed forward, looking to put AZ Alkmaar under pressure.

[They’re wasting no time,] Erik observed. [Twente know they need to score early if they want to turn this around.]

Brama took charge in midfield, driving forward before sliding a pass to Tadić on the left. The Serbian winger controlled it smoothly, his eyes scanning the 18 yard box before sending in a teasing cross toward Castaignos.

[Castaignos is in the middle—] Ronald started.

But Reijnen rose high, heading it clear with authority.

[Strong defending from AZ Alkmaar,] Erik said. [They won’t make it easy for Twente.]

The clearance fell to Fer outside the 18 yard box. He took a touch, set himself up, and struck a powerful shot—

But Alvarado was alert! He dived to his right and parried it away!

[Good save!] Ronald exclaimed. [Fer caught that one sweetly, but Alvarado reacts well!]

The ball spun toward Rosales, who attempted to whip it back into the danger zone. This time, Viergever was first to it, calmly nodding the ball to Henriksen.

AZ Alkmaar looked to counter.

[Now they break,] Erik said, voice rising.

Henriksen surged forward with purpose. He spotted Benjamin sprinting down the left and immediately sent a long diagonal pass in his direction.

Benjamin took off, leaving Rosales trailing.

[Here he goes again!] Ronald shouted. [Benjamin’s pace has been a nightmare for Twente all game!]

He reached the ball just before the byline and whipped in a first-time cross.