Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 91: End-to-end Stuff 1

Chapter 91: End-to-end Stuff 1

The 17-year-old kept his head up, cutting inside to evade Ewerton’s tackle before slipping a pass to Jozy Altidore at the edge of the box.

Altidore turned sharply with his first touch on the ball and managed to slip past one of his markers, Joao Carlos.

He immediately let loose a powerful strike, but his shot was blocked by the towering figure of Samba.

[Great run by Benjamin,] the co-commentator noted. [He’s fearless, isn’t he? But Samba—what a block by the central defender. That’s why he’s so important to this Anzhi Makhachkala side]

The game settled into a rhythm of back and forth passes, with both teams probing for each other’s weaknesses.

Anzhi Makhachkala’s high press kept AZ Alkmaar on their toes, but the home side looked dangerous on the counter, with Benjamin and Berghuis constantly testing the flanks.

[You can feel the tension, can’t you?] the lead commentator said. [Both sides know what’s at stake here, and neither is giving an inch]

[And look at Benjamin again,] his partner added. [Every time he gets on the ball, you can hear the buzz from the home fans in the stands. He’s playing like a seasoned pro, not a teenager in his second European game]

The first 10 minutes flew by with the action relentless from both teams, and the crowd was fully engaged. Both teams had their moments, but the scoreline remained unchanged.

[It’s been a lively start here in the AFAS Stadion,] the lead commentator summed up. [Anzhi Makhachkala showing their intent, but AZ Alkmaar are holding firm. This one’s shaping up to be a classic]

[Plenty of time for drama,] the co-commentator said with a grin. [And you just know it’s coming]

The relentless pace of the game continued, with both sides creating chances but failing to capitalize.

Anzhi Makhachkala’s next opportunity came in the 12th minute from a clever interplay between Willian and Zhirkov on the left.

Zhirkov slid a perfectly timed through ball into the box, splitting AZ Alkmaar’s defense wide open.

[It’s Zhirkov! What a pass!] the lead commentator exclaimed as the ball found Traoré who was lingering inside the 18-yard box with his marker tight on him.

The big forward took a touch of the ball to steady himself as he fought off an experienced physical challenge from Viergever and then he fired a low shot toward the far post.

Alvarado reacted instantly, diving with his arms outstretched to his right and getting a strong hand to the ball to push it away.

[Incredible save from Alvarado!] the co-commentator shouted. [Traoré looked certain to score despite Viergever’s challenge, but the AZ Alkmaar goalkeeper had other ideas. That’s world-class reflexes right there]

The crowd erupted in applause, showing their appreciation for the goalkeeper’s heroics.

Anzhi Makhachkala was awarded a corner after Alvarado’s stunning save, and the tension in the stadium was palpable.

Zhirkov jogged over to take it, the away end buzzing with anticipation. He placed the ball carefully, took a few steps back, and raised his hand as the signal.

[Zhirkov is deadly from these situations,] the lead commentator remarked. [AZ Alkmaar needs to be alert here. They’ve got tall players in the box, and we know how dangerous they can be in the air]

The whistle blew, and Zhirkov swung the ball in, a perfect delivery curling toward the penalty spot.

The players jostled for the ball but Samba rose above the crowd, his powerful frame towering over everyone else.

[Samba’s there!] the co-commentator exclaimed.

Just as Samba made contact with the ball, Reijnen leaped alongside him, his presence forcing the defender to adjust mid-air.

The header, which was still powerful, deviated slightly from its intended path and thumped against the crossbar with a resounding clang.

CLANG!

[Off the bar!] the lead commentator cried. [Reijnen did just enough to put Samba off course. That was inches away from being the opener]

The ball ricocheted back into play, bouncing just outside the six-yard box. A scramble ensued, with players from both sides lunging toward the ball.

Viergever reacted first, clearing it with a desperate swipe of his boot.

[Fantastic defending from Viergever,] the co-commentator noted. [AZ Alkmaar was under immense pressure there, but they’ve survived—barely]

The clearance found Henriksen in the midfield, who wasted no time in launching a long, arcing pass upfield.

The ball sailed over Anzhi Makhachkala’s midfield and landed perfectly at Berghuis’ feet.

[And now AZ Alkmaar is on the counter!] the lead commentator shouted, his voice rising with excitement.

Berghuis sprinted down the right flank, his first touch immaculate as he left Jucilei in his wake.

The away end roared in despair, sensing the danger as Berghuis charged toward the edge of the 18-yard box.

[It’s end-to-end stuff here,] the co-commentator said, barely able to keep up. [Can AZ Alkmaar make this count?]

As he reached the edge of the 18-yard box, he cut inside, curling a cross toward Altidore.

The American striker leaped high, outmuscling Samba who had surprisingly managed to track back in time, and sent a powerful header toward the top corner.

[It’s Altidore!] the co-commentator exclaimed. [Oh, so close!]

The ball sailed just inches over the bar, leaving Altidore with his head in his hands.

The home crowd let out a collective groan, followed by a round of applause for the effort.

[That was nearly the opener,] the lead commentator said. [Berghuis with a brilliant cross, and Altidore wasn’t far off from putting one past Gabulov. Samba did just enough to put him off course]

The crowd buzzed with energy as the game continued to sway back and forth with neither side willing to yield an inch.

Altidore shook his head in frustration at his missed opportunity as he jogged back into position.

[What a passage of play,] the lead commentator said, his voice still charged with adrenaline. [Anzhi Makhachkala was inches away at one end, and then AZ Alkmaar comes so close at the other. This game has everything so far]

[Absolutely,] the co-commentator agreed. [It’s the kind of game where you feel the first goal could come from anywhere. Both teams are so evenly matched right now]