Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 68: A Defensive Error

Chapter 68: A Defensive Error

The ball rolled back into play as Heerenveen took the kickoff, their players regrouping with a sense of urgency to claw their way back into the game.

The away fans tried to lift their team’s spirit with chants of their own, but the sound barely carried above the thunderous cheers of the AZ Alkmaar supporters.

[Heerenveen need to respond quickly,] the first commentator said, his tone steady as the camera focused on the determined faces of the Heerenveen players. [Going a goal down this early in the game is not ideal, but they’ve got enough quality to turn things around]

[Indeed,] the second commentator replied. [Players like van la Parra, Finnbogason, and Mark Uth can cause problems for any defense. They just need to get their rhythm back]

Heerenveen pushed forward after the restart, with van Anholt overlapping on the right wing to create an option for van la Parra who was searching for openings.

The winger fed the ball into his path, and Gorter immediately closed in on him to block a pull out, but van Anholt delivered a low cross toward the penalty spot.

The ball rolled past the area between the edge of the 18-yard box and the penalty spot without contact from the defenders who were cautious about committing a penalty.

Their cautiousness proved to be an executioner blade on their necks as Heerenveen’s left-winger, Finnbogason, darted in from the side to latch on the loose ball.

His leg connected with the ball and he fired a powerful shot, but fortunately, his effort was blocked by Viergever, whose sliding tackle drew loud cheers from the home crowd.

[Fantastic defending again by Viergever,] the first commentator noted. [He’s been rock solid tonight, reading the game perfectly]

AZ Alkmaar quickly transitioned the defensive effort of Viergever into an attack.

Henriksen received a low pass from Elm who recovered the ball and he sprayed the ball out wide to Benjamin, who once again showed his pace down the left flank.

[Benjamin is causing all sorts of problems for Heerenveen,] the second commentator remarked. [He’s such a dynamic player—always looking to drive forward and create opportunities.]

This time, Benjamin opted for a low cross into the 18-yard box as he aimed for Altidore in the box. The striker managed to get a touch, but his shot lacked power, and Nordfeldt collected it comfortably.

[That’s better from AZ Alkmaar,] the first commentator said. [Even when they’re not scoring, they’re keeping Heerenveen pinned back and forcing them into mistakes]

The game continued at a frantic pace, with Heerenveen trying to claw their way back into contention.

Zomer and Kruiswijk worked tirelessly at the back to contain AZ Alkmaar’s fluid attack, while de Roon tried to assert control in midfield.

[Heerenveen are not out of this by any means,] the second commentator observed. [But they need to find a way to break through AZ Alkmaar’s defensive line—it’s been impenetrable so far]

As the clock ticked toward the twenty-minute mark, the energy in the stadium remained electric. The home fans were in full voice, sensing that their team was in control of the game.

[AZ Alkmaar look like a team on a mission tonight,] the first commentator said. [They’ve got the lead, but they’re not sitting back—they’re pressing for more]

[And that’s what makes them so dangerous,] the second commentator added. [Heerenveen will need to dig deep to keep themselves in this match]

The camera panned to Gertjan Verbeek on the sideline, who stood with his arms crossed as he barked instructions to his players.

Despite the lead, his intensity hadn’t wavered—a clear sign that he wanted more from his team.

Back on the pitch, Martens picked up the ball in midfield and threaded a clever pass to Berghuis on the right wing, who cut inside and unleashed a curling shot with his weaker left foot towards the top corner.

Nordfeldt stretched his arms and managed to tip it over the bar, earning applause from the away fans.

[Another brilliant save from Nordfeldt,] the first commentator exclaimed. [He’s keeping Heerenveen in this match right now]

[They’ll need more moments like that if they’re to mount a comeback,] the second commentator responded. [But AZ Alkmaar are relentless in their attacks—they just keep on coming]

The resulting corner saw Benjamin take another set piece. His delivery this time around was once again dangerous, but this time, Heerenveen managed to clear their lines, avoiding further damage.

[Benjamin’s delivery has been exceptional tonight,] the first commentator praised. [He’s already got one assist, and he’s looking like he might create another]

[It’s been a tough first half for Heerenveen,] the second commentator concluded as the game entered a brief period of calm. [They need to regroup and find a way to shift the momentum in their favor]

The intensity on the pitch didn’t let up as the game clock hit the 20th minute.

AZ Alkmaar, hyped up by the home crowd, turned up the pressure with an aggressive high press, forcing Heerenveen to play in tight spaces near their own goal.

[Look at this from AZ Alkmaar,] the first commentator noted. [They’ve pushed their entire backline up near the halfway line, compressing the space and giving Heerenveen no time on the ball]

[It’s risky, but it’s working so far,] the second commentator replied. [This high press is forcing Heerenveen into rushed decisions. They’ll need to stay composed to avoid mistakes]

The pressure mounted as Heerenveen’s center-backs, Zomer and Kruiswijk, exchanged short, nervous passes.

AZ Alkmaar’s attackers swarmed like a pack of wolves, cutting off passing lanes and closing in on every touch they made.

Zuiverloon, positioned just outside the 18-yard box, found himself hurried by Benjamin, who sprinted toward him with relentless energy.

Panicking, Zuiverloon attempted a quick pass back to Nordfeldt but misjudged the angle.

The ball skidded awkwardly across the turf, bypassing the goalkeeper entirely. Altidore, who had been lurking nearby, pounced like a predator sensing weakness.

[Oh no! A mistake at the back!] the first commentator shouted, his voice rising with the crowd’s gasps. [Altidore is onto it!]