The tension inside the stadium was almost unbearable. RKC Waalwijk had co so close, but now they had to regroup.
The ga restarted with Alvarado launching a long ball upfield, looking to relieve the pressure.
Henriksen challenged for it, nodding it down toward Elm, who quickly played it out wide to Benjamin.
[Here we go again,] Mike said. [Benjamin’s been lively in this second half]
The young winger let the ball run in front of him before turning on the jets. His marker tried to stay with him, but Benjamin had too much pace, knocking it forward and sprinting past.
[That’s electric speed!] the co-comntator exclaid.
Benjamin drove toward the 18 yard box, defenders scrambling to cut him off. He glanced up—Altidore was making a late run.
He made a sharp cut inside and a defender lunged—
But Benjamin skipped past him with a quick flick of his boot.
[He’s dancing through them!]
The crowd roared as he shaped to shoot—Then squared it at the last second!
Berghuis arrived late into the box and struck it clean—
But Kieboom threw himself at it, sohow getting a fingertip to the ball!
[Unbelievable save!] Mike shouted. [Kieboom keeps Waalwijk alive!]
Berghuis clutched his head, disbelief on his face. That had looked destined for the net.
[AZ Alkmaar just can’t find that fourth goal,] the co-comntator added. [They’re doing everything right except putting the ball in the back of the net]
Kieboom, still on the ground, took a deep breath before finally getting to his feet. He signaled for his teammates to push up, then launched the ball forward.
RKC Waalwijk weren’t done yet.
Lieder controlled it near the halfway line, shielding the ball as he waited for support. A quick layoff to Boukhari, who turned and drove forward.
[Here cos RKC Waalwijk,] Mike said. [They’re not backing down from this fight]
Boukhari picked out Imad Najah on the right. The winger took a touch, then whipped a dangerous ball into the 18 yard box—
Reijnen went up for it but Lieder got there first!
Lieder connected with a downward header and Alvarado followed with fully stretched arms —And he parried it wide!
[What a stop from Alvarado!] the co-comntator shouted. [That was a bullet header, and he sohow kept it out!]
Alvarado imdiately sprang up, yelling at his defenders to stay focused. RKC Waalwijk were throwing everything at them now.
[This ga is on a knife’s edge,] Mike added. [Either side could score next, and it might just decide the match]
The corner was set to be taken. The atmosphere inside the stadium crackled with anticipation.
Another twist could be just around the corner.
Key El Makrini jogged over to take the corner, placing the ball down before glancing into the 18 yard box. RKC Waalwijk had flooded the area, bodies jostling for position.
[They’re loading the box,] Mike noted. [They know this could be their mont.]
El Makrini took a deep breath and swung his foot through the ball and it curled wickedly toward the near post.
Alvarado surged forward but missed it! And then, the ball flicked off a head—
It was pure chaos inside the six-yard box! Bodies flung themselves at it—Then a boot sent it clear!
[Massive clearance!] the co-comntator yelled. [That was pure desperation from AZ Alkmaar!]
The ball rolled out to Benjamin near the halfway line. The crowd buzzed—this was dangerous for RKC Waalwijk.
Benjamin controlled it with a soft touch and took off.
[And now AZ Alkmaar break!] Mike shouted.
Two defenders chased, but they couldn’t catch him. He raced into space, his stride effortless.
Henriksen sprinted alongside him, pointing forward.
Benjamin glanced up—then sent a perfectly weighted through ball ahead of him.
[Brilliant pass!]
Henriksen reached it near the top of the box. He had ti and he struck it low—
Kieboom dived, stretching his arms to the limit but the ball rolled past him and into the back of the net!
GOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLL!!!~
[AZ ALKMAAR STRIKE!] Mike roared. [Henriksen finishes it off, and that could be the dagger!]
Henriksen sprinted toward the corner flag, arms outstretched. His teammates sward him, the AZ Alkmaar fans erupting into wild cheers.
[That’s a killer counterattack,] the co-comntator said. [Benjamin’s pass was inch-perfect, and Henriksen kept his cool to slot it ho]
Kieboom pounded the ground in frustration. He had been RKC Waalwijk’s hero all night, but this ti, he couldn’t save them.
[That might be the goal that seals this match,] Mike added. [4-2, with 71 minutes played]
The R Waalwijk players slumped, hands on their hips. They had thrown everything forward, but now they were staring at defeat.
AZ Alkmaar could taste victory.
RKC Waalwijk had no choice now. They had to throw everything forward.
El Makrini clapped his hands, urging his teammates on as they reset for the kickoff. Boukhari jogged over, shaking his head, but there was no ti for frustration.
[They’re still fighting,] Mike said. [But conceding that goal was a gut punch]
As soon as the whistle blew, RKC Waalwijk pushed up aggressively. The ball worked its way to Najah on the right, who imdiately drove forward.
[They have to respond quickly,] the co-comntator added. [If they let AZ Alkmaar settle, it’s over]
Najah skipped past his marker and floated a cross into the 18 yard box. Lieder was there again, rising high—
But Reijnen got just enough of a touch to send the ball looping up.
Alvarado wasn’t taking any chances. He leaped and punched it clear, sending it spinning toward the edge of the box.
[Solid goalkeeping,] Mike noted. [Alvarado’s commanding his area well]
Henriksen, still buzzing from his goal, tracked back and won the second ball. He hooked it toward Martens, who controlled it and turned sharply away from pressure.
And just like that, AZ Alkmaar were on the move again.
Martens rolled a pass out to Berghuis on the right wing. The winger cut inside, his first touch setting him up for a long switch—
And there was Benjamin, already in full sprint down the left flank.
[Oh, here we go!] the co-comntator shouted. [Benjamin’s in acres of space!]
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