Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 79: Full-time

Chapter 79: Full-time

Fweeee!~

The sharp whistle pierced through the jubilant atmosphere of the AFAS Stadion. The referee signaled a stoppage before the restart, turning the crowd’s attention to the touchline.

[Looks like we’ve got a substitution here,] Martin said, his tone softening slightly.

Gertjan Verbeek stood near the technical area while gesturing toward Gudmundsson, who was now listening intently to the coach’s instructions. It was clear to those observing that he was prepared to be substituted in.

The fourth official raised the electronic board high, and the glowing numbers were clear for all to see: 21 OUT – 19 IN.

[Benjamin’s number is up,] Dirk observed. [The young man’s night is done, and rightly so. He’s run himself into the ground and back up]

The camera focused on Benjamin who’s jersey was clinging to his sweat-drenched frame as he glanced at the electronic board. He slowed his stride, exhaling as his teammates patted his back in appreciation.

[Listen to that ovation!] Martin said, as the crowd rose to their feet.

The stadium roared for their teenage star, their cheers vibrating through the air like a living thing. The fans shouted his name, with many clapping wildly and some holding their phones high to capture the moment.

Benjamin!~ Benjamin!~

[That’s the sound of love from this crowd,] Dirk added. [And deservedly so. He’s been unplayable tonight]

Benjamin began his jog toward the sideline while clapping softly in return. His face was a mix of pride and exhaustion.

As he passed Gudmundsson, the Icelandic winger grinned while offering a firm handshake and a quick word of encouragement.

[Great work out there,] Martin speculated with a chuckle. [Something along those lines, I’d imagine]

Gertjan Verbeek waited near the bench with a small but satisfied smile tugging at the corners of his usually stern mouth. He placed a hand on Benjamin’s shoulder as the teenager approached.

[You can see Gertjan Verbeek’s pleased with him,] Dirk noted. [He knows exactly what this kid brings to the table. And let’s not forget—he’s most likely pulling Benjamin out because there’s another big game on the horizon]

[Yep, I agree with that] Martin agreed. [The second-leg against Anzhi Makhachkala is coming up, and AZ Alkmaar need him fit and firing for that one]

Benjamin settled onto the bench, gulping water while the physio handed him a towel. He leaned back on the cushion, letting the adrenaline begin to fade as he watched Gudmundsson sprint into position.

[Gertjan Verbeek playing it smart here,] Dirk continued. [Resting Benjamin is a clear sign he’ll feature prominently in the Europa League game next week. He’s earned his spot]

On the pitch, the game resumed with Gudmundsson already charging after a loose ball.

[Gudmundsson’s got plenty of energy to bring to these final 15 minutes, Martin said. [But let’s not forget the impact Benjamin’s made tonight. Two goals, three assist, and he’s been a nightmare for Heerenveen’s defense]

[You said it,] Dirk agreed. [And that last goal? That was something else. He’s only 17, Martin. How do you stop a player like that?]

[You don’t,] Martin replied with conviction. [You just hope he has an off day]

The camera briefly caught Benjamin sitting on the bench with a towel spread around his neck as he exchanged smiles and nods with the captain, Martens, who had also been subbed off earlier.

[...Chuckles! Look at that—he’s already talking tactics with Martens,] Dirk pointed out. [Benjamin’s a student of the game. He’s not just pace and power; he’s got the intelligence too]

[And that’s why he’s got everyone so excited,] Martin said. [Haarlem’s finest might just be the future of the Dutch national team... Hopefully..]

Heerenveen moved the ball around cautiously, their intent clear as they desperately tried to salvage some pride: to avoid another embarrassment. But AZ Alkmaar’s pressing was full-fire.

[They’re not letting up, are they?] Dirk observed as Gudmundsson darted forward to close down a defender. [Even with a seven-goal cushion, they’re hunting in packs]

Heerenveen’s midfield managed to string a few passes together before Adam intercepted with a sharp tackle, instantly turning defense into attack.

[There’s Adam again, breaking up the play,] Martin said. [He’s been superb since coming on]

The ball rolled toward Henriksen, who spotted Beerens making a run down the right flank. He played a diagonal pass sliced through Heerenveen’s defensive lines, finding Beerens in stride.

[Perfect ball from Henriksen,] Dirk said. [Beerens is in space now—can he make something happen?]

Beerens controlled the pass expertly and drove toward the box. Van Anholt scrambled to keep up, but Beerens’ quick footwork gave him just enough room to whip in a low cross toward the penalty spot.

[Here it comes,] Martin said, his voice rising. [Dangerous ball into the area—Altidore’s lurking!]

The cross skidded past the defenders, finding Altidore, who took a quick touch to arrange the awkward position of the ball before firing a shot low and hard toward the bottom corner.

[Altidore shoots—oh, what a save!] Dirk exclaimed as Nordfeldt dived full stretch, pushing the ball wide.

[You have to give it to Nordfeldt,] Martin added. [He’s been picking the ball out of his net all night, but he’s still making saves like that]

AZ Alkmaar earned a corner, and Henriksen jogged over to take it. The players jostled for position in the box as the crowd held its breath.

[This could be number nine,] Dirk said with anticipation in his voice. [They’ve been lethal from set pieces tonight]

Henriksen’s delivery was pinpoint, curling toward the near post where Gudmundsson rose highest. His header was firm, aiming for the top corner, but Nordfeldt reacted quickly, tipping it over the bar.

[Another big save from Nordfeldt!] Martin shouted. [He’s keeping this from becoming double digits]

The resulting corner was cleared, but AZ Alkmaar regained possession almost immediately. Adam, who was stationed near the center circle, orchestrated the next attack.

His vision and composure stood out as he played a clever one-two with Elm before threading a through ball to Beerens.

[Look at Adam pulling the strings,] Dirk said. [This young midfield is running the show]

Beerens reached the byline again, cutting back a low cross that evaded the Heerenveen defenders. Gudmundsson latched onto it, taking a touch before firing a shot toward the far corner.

[Gudmundsson with the strike—oh, just wide!] Martin groaned. [That deserved a goal]

The AZ Alkmaar fans applauded the team effort, their energy undiminished even in the game’s final moments. On the bench, Benjamin watched intently with a slight smile on his face as he leaned forward.

[He’s enjoying this,] Dirk noted. [Benjamin knows his teammates are carrying on where he left off]

As the clock ticked closer to full-time, AZ Alkmaar showed no signs of slowing down.

Henriksen floated another ball over the top, this time for Gudmundsson. The Icelandic winger brought it down brilliantly before cutting inside and letting fly from the edge of the box.

[Gudmundsson again—oh, it’s off the bar!] Martin exclaimed as the ball rattled the woodwork and bounced back into play.

[So close to a wonder goal,] Dirk added. [He’s been everywhere since coming on]

The rebound fell to Henriksen, who tried to curl it first-time into the top corner, but his shot sailed just over the crossbar.

[Henrikson goes for it—but no luck there,] Martin said. [Still, you have to admire the intent]

The Heerenveen players looked utterly spent, their shoulders sagging as they struggled to keep up with AZ Alkmaar’s relentless energy. On the sidelines, Gertjan Verbeek clapped enthusiastically, urging his team to keep pushing.

[He wants a round figure, doesn’t he?] Dirk chuckled. [Verbeek’s a perfectionist]

[And you can see why,] Martin replied. [This AZ Alkmaar team is playing with confidence, flair, and a hunger that’s hard to match]

As the final minutes ticked away, AZ Alkmaar controlled possession, their one-touch passing drawing applause from the fans.

[It’s been a masterclass tonight,] Dirk said. [AZ Alkmaar have shown exactly why they’re a force to be reckoned with]

[And it’s not just the team—it’s the individuals too,] Martin added. [Benjamin, Altidore, Berghuis, Henrikson—they’ve all had standout performances. This is the kind of football you dream of as a fan]

The referee glanced at his watch before blowing the final whistle.

Fweeee!~ Fweeee!~ Fweeeeee!~

The stadium erupted in cheers, the AZ Alkmaar players celebrating a commanding victory.

[Full-time at the AFAS Stadion,] Martin said. [AZ Alkmaar 8, Heerenveen 0. What a night for the home side]

[And what a night for Benjamin Rijkaard,] Dirk concluded. [Two goals, three assists, and a performance that will be remembered for a long time. This kid is slowly becoming a Fans Favorite]