Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King

The tension at the AFAS Stadion was at an all-time high as the second half began.

Now that they were ahead, Heracles concentrated mainly on maintaining their defensive position, making it harder and harder for AZ Alkmaar to find openings and create opportunities.

As the players surged forward with newfound vigor, determined to turn the game around, Verbeek's comments continued to reverberate in their heads.

Almost instantly, AZ Alkmaar launched their assault.

Martens swiftly passed the ball to Gudmundsson, who was running down the left wing, after Elm threaded the pass to him.

Gudmundsson seized control of the ball, he pretended to move past the defender but faked the move and drew a shot from just beyond the box.

While everyone in the crowd held their breath, Pasveer was reacted as though he anticipated the strike, he dived towards the direction of the ball and his gloves confidently and easily snapped the ball out of the air, leaving the AZ Alkmaar fans moaning.

The commentator's voice, which was equal parts admiration for the save and fan-like frustration, broke through the tension.

[Pasveer with another fantastic save! Folks, this dude is a fortress today. Gudmundsson realizes it was another fantastic opportunity saved by the goalie, so he looks to the skies in frustration.]

With each lost chance, the home crowd grew agitated, but AZ Alkmaar persisted. The supporters' screams and chants became louder with each attempt, calling for their team to eventually breach Heracles' barriers.

A few minutes later, Gudmundsson was on the end of another clear-cut attempt on goal. After a flurry of activity in the midfield, Martens flicked a pass out to him on the left side, just inside the 18-yard box.

Without waiting for the ball to bounce or settle, Gudmundsson met the ball with a powerful half volley. His foot struck the ball, but once more, the shot missed the goalpost by a small margin.

With every wasted opportunity fueling his own fire, Benjamin sensed the pressure piling up on the team. They were at home and losing by a goal to nill against a bottom rug team... what a joke.

Gudmundsson's head dropped and his shoulders hunched somewhat, reflecting every home fan's annoyance. Benjamin was virtually buzzing on the bench as he imagined himself out there.

AZ Alkmaar continued to be persistent until the 54th minute. This time, Overtoom, who was standing a few yards outside the box, received the ball.

He trapped the ball and quickly took his shot. The ball flew towards the goal with a strong, low shot. Almost astonishingly, however, Pasveer pushed himself at it, pushing the ball out for a corner by diving well to his left.

Gasps, moans, and cheers filled the stadium as Pasveer's feats started to seem unbeatable. Even the home fans were starting to applaud his efforts, he had done well to keep them a goal behind.

The reaction from the commentators mirrored the spectators admiration and incredulity.

[Once more, It's Pasveer to the rescue!]

[He seems to be able to see into the future!] exclaimed one of the commentator. [How is AZ Alkmaar going to get this past him today?]

Verbeek was clearly frustrated on the sidelines. He screamed out instructions while waving his arms, his voice becoming louder and more urgent as he pleaded with his players to add the finishing touch they were lacking.

In the 58th minute, AZ Alkmaar got very near once more. Berghuis dribbled past his right-wing marker and sent a low cross into the 18 yard box.

One of the defenders stretched out his leg to clear the cross but he miss-timed his block and the ball precisely fell to the path of Altidore who was in position.

He took a shot but Pasveer, however, was able to get a little touch that sent the ball skimming away.

Overtoom attempted to control it as it rolled toward him, but his heavy touch allowed Heracles' defense to clear it to safety.

With their hands gripping their shirts and scarves and faces reflecting Verbeek's growing anger, the fans in the stands were practically inconsolable.

Berghuis then broke through again at the 60th minute, running down the wing.

After evading one defender and then another, he curled a flawless low cross into the box. Altidore was waiting in a good position this time and precisely timed his run.

He edged past his markers with determination and struck the ball forcefully, causing it to go past Pasveer who couldn't react in time and into the back of the net.

The stadium blew apart as a wave of red and white erupted around the stadium, fans jumped from their seats and cheered and chanted, letting out the energy that had been stored up from each missed opportunities.

[One-one! AZ Alkmaar is finally drawn level by Jozy Altidore!]

After the goal, Altidore didn't celebrate but instead quickly took the ball and placed it on the halfway circle. His intentions were clear and the home fans cheered him on

Immediately after the restart, AZ Alkmaar won possession of the ball and pushed higher up the pitch, the excitement of the spectators was practically tangible.

The fans were drawn to the edge of their seats as each pass brought them closer to the box.

Moving into Heracles' last third, Overtoom looked around the field for openings. Running along the right, Berghuis raised his arm to indicate a pass that would open the defense.

Only a few yards from Overtoom, Altidore was also present, pulling defenders with him to clear the area and create openings.

Overtoom inhaled sharply as he hesitated, considered his choices, his gaze darting between Altidore and Berghuis unable to make up his mind on who to pass to.

After deliberating, he decided to make a pass to Berghuis, but a mistake occurred as soon as his foot touched the ball.

The ball wobbled uncomfortably, going slower than intended and off course because of his poor touch. It went straight into the path of a vigilant Heracles midfielder and rolled just short of Berghuis.

Before the counterattack even began, the supporters let out a collective groan, sensing the change. As he watched the Heracles players take advantage of the opportunity, Benjamin clenched his fists and felt his heart sink.

Tension increased as the commentator's voice raised in alarm.

[Overtoom loses it and this could be trouble! Heracles with a chance to break!]