Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 36: On-Field Drama

Chapter 36: On-Field Drama

The announcement sprang to life as the commentator’s voice crackled over the stadium speakers.

[Henriksen, who is making his debut today, is coming on for AZ Alkmaar to replace Overtoom in the offensive midfield. Benjamin Rijkaard, a seventeen-year-old from Haarlem will replace Gudmundsson on the left wing. Last but not least, Adam Maher, who was just promoted to the first team, replaces Victor Elm in center midfield]

[With the three of them making their debut in this game, they’ll be looking to make an impact and impress Gertjan Verbeek]

The crowd’s anticipation grew as the three substitutes made their way to the touchline, greeted by applause and whistles of encouragement.

Benjamin could feel the intensity in the air as he reached the sideline, standing side by side with Adam and Henriksen who had a mixture of determination and focus on their faces.

The substitutions began and soon the substitute board was raised high by the fourth official as he moved forward. Two numbers appeared, bright against the stadium lights:

[19 in red - 21 in green]

[Here come the changes, and just listen to that applause,] One of the commentators remarked as the substitutions unfolded. [Henriksen, Adam Maher, and young Benjamin Rijkaard. Quite a shake-up from Verbeek, wouldn’t you say?]

His partner responded in a voice thick with excitement. [Absolutely. Verbeek knows his team needs fresh legs, especially after that sloppy goal they conceded. And look at that... Gudmundsson doesn’t look too happy about coming off]

[Not surprising] replied the first commentator. [It’s a tough moment, especially for a senior player like him. But hey, Benjamin Rijkaard... seventeen years old and about to make his mark]

The commentator continued, [And there’s Benjamin now, number 21 coming on for number 19, Gudmudsson]

When Benjamin’s own number appeared in green, indicating that it was his turn to take the field, his pulse began to quicken.

Gudmundsson, who was wearing number 19, approached from the left with a frustrated expression on his face.

Obviously, he was dissatisfied about being substituted in such a crucial moment in the game, and to top it off, for a kid still wet between the ears.

As he got closer to the sideline, his jaw was clenched and he avoided looking at Benjamin. Benjamin, still in high spirits, reached out to give Gudmundsson a supportive shoulder pat.

But Gudmundsson brushed past him without acknowledgment, pretending his attention was concentrated on something far away in the distance as he walked to the bench.

[Wow, cold shoulder from Gudmundsson there. Understandable frustration, but still a bit harsh on the young lad] the commentator exclaimed in surprise as the camera zoomed in on the scene, as if they were expecting such a reaction from Gudmudsson.

[Well,] his partner added with a chuckle, [let’s see if Benjamin can use that for motivation. They’ll need every ounce of his energy out there]

Benjamin felt the cold dismissal sting from being ignored, but he didn’t let it show, instead he kept his composure. He turned his focus inward, setting his sights on what lay ahead.

He took a deep breath before making the cross sign over his chest and reaching down to touch the lush green under his boots. He then took one last glance around before crossing the touchline and entering the field.

Benjamin jogged onto the pitch, listening to the noises of the spectators growing around him. A rush of excitement swept through him as he took up his place on the left wing.

Play resumed as the whistle blew.

Heracles pushed forward with pressure on a high press, attempting to catch AZ Alkmaar off as play had just resumed but AZ Alkmaar doused their intensity with strings of one-touch passes.

Adam shook off his early bouts of jitters as he worked together with Martens to take charge of the midfield, he thread a pass up to Henriksen who was a few yards beyond the halfway line.

Henriksen trapped the ball and turned deftly to avoid his marker in an attempt to open the game. Instantly, Benjamin’s instincts took over, he ran down the wing and signaled with his hand.

[Henriksen on the ball now,] the commentator shifted his attention. [Look at that awareness]

After escaping his marker, Henriksen raised his head and spotted Benjamin’s run. Without hesitation, he played well-timed through ball his way. Benjamin controlled the ball with a deft touch at his feet and his eyes focused on the movement ahead.

Benjamin looked up as he darted forward to the 18 yard box, weighing his options.

[Benjamin’s in space! This could be something!] The first commentator called out.

Berghuis was standing just outside the penalty area, waiting for a potential cutback, while Altidore was switching between the Heracles central defenders, hoping for an opening.

Benjamin steadily moved towards the 18 yard box, bringing the Heracles right-back closer before feigning an inside step with his right leg and then a left one with his left leg.

The defender was shaken by the skill move and slipped as Benjamin took advantage and sent a low cross into the box.

[Oh, clever footwork from Benjamin! Feints right, then left and sends the cross low into the box!] his partner narrated with rising energy.

Altidore springed forward. The two center-backs followed, tight on him but he was quicker. His foot made contact with the ball as he threw himself forward to meet it.

With a loud thud, his boot connected with a powerful strike. It was on aim and headed directly into the bottom corner.

[And Altidore!...] the lead commentator’s voice lifted as Altidore connected with the ball.

However, the Heracles goalie rushed and extended his arm, just in time to divert it wide with his fingertips.

[Oh, what a save! The Heracles goalkeeper stretches just enough to push it wide!]

A collective gasp was made by the spectators, who could practically taste the equalizer.

[So close!] One of the commentator exclaimed.

[Young Benjamin almost grabbing his first assist! You can see the look on his face, he knows that was inches from being a game-changer]

His partner chuckled, [He’ll have another chance, I’m sure of it.]

Benjamin’s pulse pounded from the near-success. ’That should have been my first career assist.’ he muttered in disappointment.

Already focusing his mind on the next opportunity, he jogged back into position.

On the sidelines, Verbeek was shouting out instructions, his voice piercing through the din. "Keep pressing! They’re rattled...don’t give them room for a breather!"

[And look at Verbeek there...he’s yelling to keep the pressure on. He senses the shift in momentum, and he’s right. AZ Alkmaar are pressing high, keeping Heracles penned in]

[Exactly,] agreed the first commentator. [You can see the urgency in the way they’re closing down every pass. It’s like a different team out there since the subs came on]

The AZ Alkmaar players responded by pressing Heracles high up the pitch, refusing to let them relax.