Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 97: Penalty!

Chapter 97: Penalty!

In the 40th minute, AZ Alkmaar surged forward again.

Henriksen, who was controlling the midfield, slipped a clever through-ball to Berghuis, who had darted into space on the right flank.

[This looks promising for AZ Alkmaar!] the lead commentator said, his excitement growing.

Berghuis took one touch to steady himself and unleashed a low drive aimed for the far corner of the goalpost.

The ball skidded across the moist turf, zipping past the outstretched leg of Samba, who attempted to block the ball.

[Gabulov’s beaten! Berghuis—oh no!] the co-commentator exclaimed.

The ball grazed the outside of the post and went out for a goal kick. Berghuis clutched his head in his hands, clearly frustrated as he jogged back into position.

[He had Gabulov scrambling there. Just inches wide! AZ Alkmaar are getting closer,] the lead commentator remarked.

[But in games like this, "close" doesn’t count. They need to find that clinical edge, and make something count] the co-commentator replied.

Three minutes later, Anzhi Makhachkala responded.

Willian picked up the ball near the halfway line and sprinted down the left flank, his pace forcing Marcellis to backpedal in pursuit.

Willian made a cut inside, and the ball sneakily rolled through the pursuing Marcellis’ legs.

[WOAH! A cheeky nutmeg from Willian, and Marcellis is left behind] the lead commentator said with much amusement that mirrored everyone watching.

After dribbling past Marcellis, Willian threaded a perfectly timed pass to Lacina Traoré, who peeled away from his marker, Gorter.

[Traoré is in! This could be dangerous!] the lead commentator yelled.

Traoré controlled the ball expertly, his long stride carrying him into the box. As Alvarado rushed out to close the angle, Traoré attempted to chip the ball over the goalkeeper.

[Traoré—what a chance! Oh, he’s missed it!] the co-commentator exclaimed, incredulous.

The ball arched beautifully but sailed just over the bar, brushing the roof of the net. Traoré slapped the ground in frustration, while the AZ Alkmaar supporters collectively exhaled in relief.

[That could’ve been game over for AZ Alkmaar,] the lead commentator noted. [Traoré had the time and space, but he couldn’t capitalize. A huge let-off for the home side]

In the 45th minute, Benjamin found himself in the spotlight again.

Picking up a pass from Martens on the left wing, he drove forward, his quick feet leaving Ewerton behind once more.

[Benjamin’s been a thorn in Anzhi Makhachkala’s side all night, and here he goes again!] the lead commentator shouted.

As Benjamin entered the box, Samba came across to challenge, but Benjamin feigned right before cutting left.

With the angle tightening, he went for a powerful strike with his left foot, aimed toward the near post.

[Gabulov again! What a reaction save!] the co-commentator bellowed.

The ball rebounded off the goalkeeper’s gloves and spun toward Altidore, who was lurking nearby. Before he could react, Joao Carlos cleared it decisively into the stands.

[How many times are we going to say Gabulov’s name tonight? He’s keeping Anzhi Makhachkala in this match single-handedly!] the lead commentator marveled.

[He’s putting on a goalkeeping clinic, no doubt about it,] the co-commentator agreed. [But you have to wonder—can he keep this up for another 45 minutes?]

As the clock struck 45, the fourth official raised the board: +5 minutes.

[Five added minutes! Plenty of time for either side to make their mark before the break,] the lead commentator observed.

[And what a first half it’s been—drama, missed chances, and world-class saves. It’s all here tonight,] the co-commentator added.

The minutes of added time ticked by, and the tension in the stadium grew thicker with every passing second.

AZ Alkmaar pushed forward relentlessly, their determination to equalize burning brighter than ever.

In the fifth minute of added time, the breakthrough finally came.

[Elm with the tackle! He’s won the ball cleanly off Jucilei deep in AZ Alkmaar’s half!] the lead commentator shouted, his voice brimming with excitement.

The Swede International wasted no time, springing to his feet and sending a laser-accurate pass upfield.

[And there’s the direct ball to Henriksen. AZ Alkmaar on the counter now!]

Henriksen picked up the pass with a deft first touch, his head immediately scanning for options as he sprinted forward. The crowd’s roar grew louder with every stride he took forward.

[Lassana Diarra’s closing him down! Can Henriksen get rid of it in time?]

As Diarra lunged toward him, Henriksen lifted his head and quickly spotted Altidore’s run into the 18-yard box.

Without breaking stride, he chipped the ball over the defensive line, and the ball soared over the defenders in a graceful arc towards Alvarado’s path.

[Henriksen loops it forward—what a ball! Altidore’s through on goal!] the co-commentator exclaimed.

The stadium collectively held its breath as Gabulov, the man who had been a wall all night, charged off his line with his focus completely locked on the incoming danger.

[Here comes Gabulov! Altidore with a fake shot—he’s gone past him!]

Altidore’s body feint sent the goalkeeper sprawling to the wrong direction, but his outstretched leg clipped the striker as he tried to recover.

Fweeee!~

Like music to the ears of the AZ Alkmaar fans, the referee’s whistle pierced through the tension, sharp and decisive. A second later, his arm extended, pointing directly to the penalty spot.

[PENALTY! It’s a penalty for AZ Alkmaar in the dying moments of the first half!] the lead commentator bellowed.

The reactions in the AFAS Stadion was immediate and explosive.

On the touchline, Gertjan Verbeek clenched his fists and pumped them into the air, his face alight with raw emotion.

[You can see what that means to him. Gertjan Verbeek has been willing his players forward, and now, they’ve got a lifeline!] the co-commentator remarked.

Guus Hiddink, meanwhile, showed a calm expression, though his tightly folded arms betrayed the frustration brewing beneath his composed exterior.

He leaned toward his assistant in a conversation, shaking his head in silent disapproval of the referee’s decision.

Altidore!~ Altidore!~

The home fans erupted in a cacophony of cheers, their hope reignited as they chanted Altidore’s name.

BOOOO!~

On the other side, the Anzhi Makhachkala supporters jeered loudly, their protests echoing across the stadium.