Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 66: Eredivisie Matchday 3

Chapter 66: Eredivisie Matchday 3

The sun began its slow descent, casting a golden glow over the AFAS Stadion as fans poured into the stands with their red and white scarves spread over proudly around their necks.

The air buzzed with anticipation. It was matchday, and the home crowd had turned up in droves, filling the stadium to near capacity.

Flags waved, chants echoed, and a sea of supporters roared as the players jogged out for the pre-match warmup.

On the pitch, Benjamin joined the others, his heart pounding as he soaked in the atmosphere.

The roar of the crowd was louder than he’d ever experienced, a wall of sound that seemed to vibrate through the ground beneath him.

His boots felt light as he jogged to his position while stretching out his hamstrings before picking up a ball.

The Europa League qualifier against Anzhi Makhachkala had been a hard-fought battle, but tonight was a different kind of challenge.

The Eredivisie was like a marathon, and they needed this win to kickstart their form in the league and get back on track.

Meanwhile, in the commentary box, two voices filled the airwaves.

[It’s a beautiful evening here at the AFAS Stadion,] the first commentator began, his tone rich with excitement. [And the fans have turned up in full force for this one. It’s AZ Alkmaar against Heerenveen, and a crucial match for the home side as they look to ignite their form in the domestic campaign]

[Absolutely,] his partner chimed in. [It’s been a mixed start to the Eredivisie season for AZ Alkmaar, but they’ll be motivated by that incredible victory over Anzhi Makhachkala midweek. Confidence will be high, but consistency is what Gertjan Verbeek will be demanding from his players tonight]

The camera panned across the packed stands, showing fans waving flags and holding banners. One particularly bold banner read: "The Pride of Alkmaar: Rise Again!"

[Look at this turnout,] the first commentator said. [The home fans know how important this game is. AZ Alkmaar needs to capitalize on this momentum and get a result tonight]

The stadium announcer’s voice boomed over the speakers, signaling the end of the warmup.

The players began their slow jog toward the tunnel, the noise of the crowd swelling as they disappeared from view. Benjamin stole a glance at the packed stands, his heart racing. This was it. The stage was set.

The commentator’s voice echoed once more as the teams retreated to prepare. [Stay with us. Kickoff is just minutes away, and it promises to be a thrilling encounter here in Alkmaar. Can AZ Alkmaar find their rhythm and start climbing the Eredivisie table? We’ll find out soon enough]

***

Minutes later, the players of both teams emerged from the tunnel to a thunderous cheer from the spectators.

The AFAS Stadion was alive, a sea of red and white, with flags waving and chants booming through the cool evening air.

The two teams lined up on the pitch for the pre-match formalities. The AZ Alkmaar players calmly stood shoulder to shoulder in their vibrant red kits.

Across from them, Heerenveen’s players, clad in their blue-and-white stripes, looked just as focused, ready for the battle ahead.

The camera zoomed in on the AZ Alkmaar lineup as the commentator took over.

[Let’s take a look at how AZ Alkmaar are setting up tonight,] the first voice began. [In goal, we have Alvarado, who will be looking to keep things solid at the back]

[That’s right,] the second commentator chimed in. [Ahead of him, it’s a back four of Marcellis, Viergever, Reijnen, and Gorter. A reliable defense, but they’ll need to be sharp against Heerenveen’s attack]

[Moving into midfield, Viktor Elm and Martens form the double pivot, offering a balance of steel and creativity,] the first commentator added. [And just ahead of them, in the attacking midfield trio, we’ve got Berghuis on the right, Benjamin on the left, and Henriksen in the center]

[And leading the line is the ever-dangerous Jozy Altidore,] the second commentator finished. [He’ll be hoping to add to his goal tally tonight. It’s a classic 4-2-3-1 setup for Gertjan Verbeek’s side.]

The camera shifted to the substitutes sitting on the bench.

[Plenty of options on the bench for AZ Alkmaar,] the first commentator continued. [Beerens, Overtoom, Aron Johannsson, Adam Maher, Gudmundsson, Thomas Lam, and Mattias Johansson—all capable of making an impact if needed]

[It’s a strong squad, no doubt,] the second commentator said. [But they’ll need to bring their A-game against a Heerenveen side that’s known for being dangerous on the counter]

As the lineup graphic disappeared, the focus shifted to Heerenveen’s players.

[And now let’s take a look at Heerenveen’s starting lineup,] the first commentator began in a calm tone. [In goal, they’ve got Nordfeldt, a goalkeeper who’s been okay so far this season]

[He’ll have his work cut out for him tonight,] the second commentator interjected. [In defense, it’s a back four of Zuiverloon, Zomer, Kruiswijk, and van Anholt]

[A mix of aged experience and athleticism in the defense, but they’ll need to stay organized to deal with the threat of Altidore, Benjamin and Berghuis on the wings]

The camera shifted to the midfield as the first commentator continued. [In the center, we have Kums and van den Berg, two players who complement each other well. Kums with his vision and passing, and van den Berg offering a more physical presence]

[Then we’ve got the attacking trio just ahead,] the second commentator chimed in. [Djuricic pulling the strings as the number ten, with van la Parra and Finnbogason out wide. And up top, of course, their main man, Mark Uth. Heerenveen will rely on him to deliver the goals tonight.]

The camera briefly showed Heerenveen’s substitutes warming up along the sidelines, bouncing lightly on their toes to stay loose.

[And on the bench for Heerenveen, we’ve got plenty of depth,] the first commentator added. [De Roon, Slagveer, Marecek, Veldwijk, Hakim Ziyech, Otigba, and Mulder. Some good options there if they need to change things up]

[Indeed,] the second commentator agreed. [This is a team that can hit you on the counter and isn’t afraid to take risks going forward. AZ Alkmaar will need to be careful not to overcommit]

The referee signaled the captains for the coin toss. As Martens shook hands with Heerenveen’s captain, the crowd’s chants grew louder, the anticipation nearly tangible.

[It’s a strong lineup from Heerenveen,] the first commentator remarked as the teams prepared for kickoff. [They’ve had an impressive start to the season with two wins against NAC Breda and VVV-Venlo, and they’ll be looking to capitalize on any slip-ups from AZ Alkmaar tonight]

[This has all the makings of a great contest,] the second commentator said as the tension in the stadium grew. [Both teams with plenty to prove. Let’s see who rises to the occasion.]

[It’s almost time,] the first commentator said, his voice rising with the energy of the moment. [AZ Alkmaar looking for a win to kickstart their Eredivisie campaign. Can they deliver in front of this incredible home crowd?]

[We’re about to find out,] the second replied as the players moved into their positions. [The stage is set, the fans are ready. Let’s get this match underway.]

Fweeee!~

The whistle blew, and the game began.