A Goal Behind At Halftime

The first half went on, with many anxious and tense moments.

The home crowd was filled with tension and fury as AZ Alkmaar pressed with unrelenting intensity, creating three near-goals opportunities.

The 24th minute presented Gudmundsson with a fantastic opportunity. From the right side, Marcellis performed a well timed tackle without conceding a foul.

He looked up, passed the ball to Berghuis who produced a well-timed cross to the left wing, and Gudmundsson, who was unmarked, connected with the pass but his first touch was a little too heavy.

His poor control pushed the ball a bit off course, but since he was already at the edge of the 18 yard box and a defender was closing in on him quickly, he made a quick decision to strike a powerful shot at the goal.

The crowd gasped in disappointment as the ball bounced out after clipping the outside of the right post.

Like the rest of the spectators, Benjamin clutched the edge of his seat.

With an excited edge to their voice, one of the commentators said, [What an opportunity! That's so close from Gudmundsson! AZ Alkmaar is putting a lot of pressure on them, but they should take their chances or it might come back to haunt them]

Just a few minutes later, AZ Alkmaar got another opportunity and was able to retain possession right outside the 18 yard box with another surge, this time from Overtoom.

He was left open for a shot after a little feint to the left from Jozzy Altidore, placing the ball within a striking position.

With a sharp strike, Overtoom sent the ball arcing in the direction of the top right corner. However, Heracles' goalie Pasveer responded quickly. Stretching just enough to tip it over the bar as he dove to his right.

The crowd's moan was followed by the commentators, [Pasveer with a tremendous save there! Despite doing everything correctly, Overtoom was unable to locate the back of the net. If they continue with the same intensity, it seems like AZ Alkmaar will reach their goal]

Frustration grew in the stands as the half-hour mark went by, with supporters pushing their team forward with loud chants and even yelling.

"Press harder, don't let up." On the sidelines, Gertjan Verbeek was pacing and making hand gestures while yelling instructions and attempting to boost the team's morale.

This time around, Viktor Elm intercepted a pass in their half and sent the ball to Gudmundsson during a breakaway run just minutes before halftime.

After spotting an opening, he opted to launch a forceful shot straight at the goal. As the ball sailed toward the aim, the crowd were already on the edge of their seats and starting to cheer.

However, Pasveer was having a main character moment once more, lunging forward with an incredible dive to divert the shot and denying AZ Alkmaar another opportunity.

[Oh no! Once more, Gudmundsson is denied. One commenter let out a cry in disbelief. [They're throwing absolutely everything they've got at Heracles, but Pasveer seems impenetrable today]

After rounds of consecutive saves, AZ Alkmaar were starting to look worn out and that soon proved costly.

Heracles Almelo quickly responded in the 43rd minute. The defense of AZ Alkmaar was caught sleeping and thrown off balance by a long ball over the top.

Bruns of Heracles was fast to leap, sprinting down the right flank and then squaring a pass into the box. With a calm touch and a quick, low shot, Gouriye was in position to send the ball past Alvarado and into the net.

With the exception of a tiny group of Heracles fans celebrating their team's surprising lead, the stadium became silent. Like the crowd, the commentators were in disbelief.

[And it's Heracles who takes the lead with an ice-cold finish at the nick of halftime! Using that counter to its fullest, Gouriye makes the most of that! Here at AFAS Stadion, Heracles Almelo has scored first despite AZ having every opportunity]

[It's AZ Alkmaar-0, Heracles Almelo-1]

Verbeek's face grew strained on the touchline as he clenched his fists and hollered at his team to get back together.

The AZ Alkmaar supporters, meantime, burst into irritated mutterings that were a mix of incredulity and a little frustration. When Benjamin observed the Heracles players having a good time, his heart fell.

This would serve as a sobering reminder of how swiftly things can go wrong in the game of football.

Benjamin could feel his own frustration mounting, and his foot was tapping restlessly. He watched as the players struggled for an opening, but Heracles' defense held up well against AZ Alkmaar's energy.

Benjamin's thoughts were whirling. If only he could have some opportunities. He could already envision himself creating goal scoring opportunities, cutting inside for a shot, racing down the flank to latch on any chance, or supplying a cross to break the impasse.

The referee's whistle blew, and halftime was finally declared. As the players departed the field, the fans enthusiastically applauded their efforts.

Benjamin stood up and followed the other substitutes back to the locker room. The coaches were already reviewing what had and hadn't worked in advance of the team gathering.

Benjamin listened carefully to everything that was said while leaning against the wall.

Verbeek looked around the room and spoke in a calm but serious tone. "We had so many attempts on target but It's not enough, even though we're holding our ground. We have to weaken their defense by creating more opportunities and also converting them into goals."

"The fact that their goalkeeper is having a standout performance shouldn't stop us. In the second half, I want you to stay alert, keep pushing them outside their comfort zone, and keep looking for those flaws in their defense. We should keep them to continue playing defensively."

The players nodded and glanced at one another as they listened, determined to get the intended result.

As he continued, Verbeek turned to the substitutes. "You guys should also be ready to be called upon at any time. Every single one of you is involved. Listen carefully. When the opportunity does arrive, take advantage of it."

Benjamin straightened on hearing that, a surge of anticipation coursing through him.

He was well prepared. If given the opportunity, he would convince Verbeek and everyone else in the stadium that he was here to stay.

When the squad returned to the pitch, the tension in the stadium grew. The crowd were more boisterous and ferocious, and the atmosphere was amazing.

Benjamin went back to his bench and kept a close eye on the field, hoping to be called upon to play.

For now he would watch, wait, and prepare to seize his opportunity when it came.