The players lined up within the 18-yard box, jostling for position as Benjamin placed the ball down for the indirect free kick. His eyes scanned the chaos in the penalty area, searching for the perfect target.
[Big moment here for AZ Alkmaar,] Mike said, his voice steady with anticipation. [They've been knocking on the door this past few minutes for the thirteenth goal—could this be the breakthrough?]
[Benjamin Rijkaard over the ball,] the co-commentator noted. [We know he's got the delivery. The question is—can someone get on the end of it?]
The referee gave a sharp blast of his whistle.
Fweeeee!
Benjamin took a deep breath, then swung his right foot through the ball, sending a curling cross toward the near post.
The delivery was inch-perfect, bending wickedly through the air as the AZ Alkmaar players surged forward.
