The match had reached extra time, the players' stamina visibly waning. The energy expenditure on both sides was immense, with many athletes struggling to maintain their pace and precision.
Despite the mounting exhaustion, Ajax's right winger, Yang Yang, remained a force to be reckoned with. His relentless energy and ceaseless runs along the right flank continued to pose a significant challenge for Van Haaren, who was dedicatedly shadowing him. Van Haaren's efforts to contain Yang Yang required constant vigilance, as the winger's movements were both unpredictable and relentless.
In a pivotal moment of the match, Ajax's defense successfully repelled a counterattack and transitioned the ball smoothly into midfield. Sneijder, ever composed, seized the opportunity to orchestrate the play. He controlled the ball with deft touches, his head swiveling as he scanned for attacking options.
Yang Yang, anticipating Sneijder's intentions, darted forward with a burst of speed, positioning himself to receive the pass. As Sneijder's precise pass reached him, Yang Yang deftly trapped the ball with his foot, his eyes immediately locking onto the advancing play.
With a swift, fluid motion, Yang Yang began his diagonal dribble. His agility was on full display as he executed a dazzling combination of a body feint and a step-over maneuver. The body feint caused Van Haaren to commit in one direction, only for Yang Yang to change direction abruptly. His rapid acceleration allowed him to slip past Van Haaren, who was left scrambling to keep up. Yang Yang continued his advance along the right flank, his every stride showcasing his exceptional control and balance.
Reaching the edge of the penalty area, Yang Yang prepared for a decisive cross. He swung his right foot with precision, sending the ball curling into the box. The cross was delivered with impeccable timing and accuracy, aiming to find Ibrahimovic in a dangerous position.
Ibrahimovic, stationed near the edge of the six-yard box, positioned himself to intercept the cross. He leaned into Van den Berg, attempting to shield the ball and create space for himself. However, his control of the pass was imperfect. The ball arrived with pace, and Ibrahimovic's attempt to cushion it was marred by an awkward positioning and a rushed technique.
As Ibrahimovic struggled to maintain control, Van Wonderen, who had sprinted back from his defensive position, charged in with a critical intervention. He cleared the ball away with a well-timed tackle, disrupting Ibrahimovic's attempt to shoot. Ibrahimovic's hurried shot, now mishit due to the defensive pressure and his compromised stance, was easily thwarted by Van Wonderen's diligent defending.
The quality of Yang Yang's cross had been superb—its accuracy and delivery were precisely what was needed. Yet, Ibrahimovic's inability to effectively control and finish the ball, coupled with Van Wonderen's timely defense, resulted in Ajax missing a prime attacking opportunity. The potential for a crucial goal was squandered, a testament to the fine margins and intense pressure of the match.
...
Ajax retained possession of the ball, and Van der Vaart, showing his characteristic composure, controlled it with a deft touch. He then directed a precise pass to Yang Yang, who was positioned on the right flank.
Yang Yang swiftly moved towards the center to intercept the ball, displaying his agility and awareness. With a quick flick of his foot, he passed the ball to Ibrahimovic, who, in turn, played it back with a deft touch.
The combination between Yang Yang and Ibrahimovic was fluid and impressive. Yang Yang immediately sprinted to retrieve the ball following their seamless one-two exchange. Despite his rapid acceleration, Van Haaren was relentless in his pursuit, staying closely on Yang Yang's heels. As Yang Yang attempted to advance, Van Haaren lunged in with a desperate tackle.
The sharp blast of the referee's whistle cut through the tension on the pitch.
"Beep!!!"
The referee had adjudged Van Haaren's challenge to be a foul. His frustration was evident as he signaled for a free-kick, awarding Ajax a valuable set-piece opportunity near the right side of the front line. Van Haaren's defensive lapse, coupled with the clear foul, resulted in another chance for Ajax to capitalize.
The referee approached Van Haaren and brandished a yellow card, a clear indication of his frustration with the frequent fouls committed by the Feyenoord left-back. The card was issued to curb further infractions and restore order to the match.
As Ajax prepared for the free-kick, both Sneijder and Yang Yang were positioned to take the set-piece. Ajax, currently enjoying a height advantage with players like Ibrahimovic and Wesley Sonck—both known for their aerial prowess—prepared to exploit this opportunity. However, the overall height disadvantage of other Ajax players compared to their opponents could still pose a challenge in creating a significant threat from the set-piece.
Sneijder stood over the ball, feigning a shot to mislead the defenders. In a split second, he tapped the ball sideways, allowing Yang Yang to take over the free-kick duties.
Yang Yang's delivery was precise and expertly aimed. He swung the ball into the penalty area with perfect accuracy, targeting Sonck, who had positioned himself for a header.
Wesley Sonck leaped with determination, his header connecting firmly with the ball. The shot was on target but was met by a determined Feyenoord defender who managed to deflect it. The ball veered off the field and was ultimately adjudged to have been last touched by a Feyenoord player, resulting in a corner kick for Ajax.
Yang Yang, with his characteristic energy and focus, prepared to take the corner kick.
...
...
The atmosphere inside the Amsterdam Arena was electric, a palpable tension hanging in the air as if the very atmosphere had condensed with anticipation. Yang Yang, drenched in sweat, felt the moisture trickling down his face, a stark reminder of the intensity of the match.
He wiped his brow, his hands slick with perspiration, and took a deep breath to steady himself. The ball was meticulously positioned in the corner area, the turf slightly disturbed from the numerous players who had trampled over it. Yang Yang stood at the edge of the pitch, hands resting on his hips, drawing deep breaths to regulate his breathing and calm his nerves before delivering the crucial corner kick.
The penalty area was a scene of organized chaos. Feyenoord defenders clustered around Ajax's towering figures—particularly Ibrahimovic, whose imposing height created a constant threat, and Wesley Sonck, who, despite his shorter stature, was renowned for his exceptional heading ability. The Belgian striker was well-marked, as Feyenoord sought to neutralize the threat posed by Ajax's aerial prowess.
Nearby, Vermaelen, Heitinga, and De Jong, all around 1.80 meters tall, were also under heavy surveillance from Feyenoord defenders. The crowd, caught in a moment of collective breath-holding, watched in tense silence as the players jostled for position.
The referee, having ensured order in the penalty area, stepped back and signaled for the corner to be taken. All eyes were fixed on Yang Yang, who slowly raised his right hand, only to lower it halfway as he prepared to deliver the ball.
With a sudden burst of action, Yang Yang whipped the corner kick into the box. The ball curved expertly into the six-yard area, evading both the near and far posts, leaving the defenders in confusion.
Ibrahimovic surged forward, with Wesley Sonck and Heitinga scrambling to reposition themselves. The Feyenoord defenders could only watch as the ball flew towards the six-yard box, trying to gauge where it would land.
Then, from the penalty spot, a white figure leaped into the air—Vermaelen, making his first-team debut for Ajax. The ball met his head with a powerful impact, altering its trajectory sharply towards the bottom left corner of the net. Feyenoord's goalkeeper, Zoetebier, lunged in an attempt to save the shot but was powerless to prevent the ball from rippling the back of the net.
The roar of "Gooooooooooal!!!!!!!" reverberated through the stadium.
"Ajax corner kick!"
The crowd erupted into a cacophony of jubilation. In the 109th minute of extra time, Feyenoord's defensive lapse allowed Vermaelen to capitalize on a perfectly delivered corner kick, scoring a pivotal header. The eruption of cheers from the Amsterdam Arena was deafening, with fans leaping to their feet in a unified display of celebration.
On the touchline, Ajax's head coach, Ronald Koeman, stood with a triumphant expression, waving his arms vigorously and shouting with unrestrained excitement. The significance of the goal was immense, and Koeman's fervor reflected the importance of the moment.
On the pitch, Vermaelen, initially stunned by the significance of his goal, quickly overcame his disbelief. He sprinted towards Yang Yang, embracing him with an exuberant shout, "I knew it! I knew you'd find me! I always knew, you always see me!"
Vermaelen's voice was a mix of ecstatic shouting and emotional release, tears mingling with his cries of joy. Yang Yang, too, was overwhelmed with emotion. The goal was a testament to his first-team debut and the critical role he had played in securing a crucial moment for Ajax. The excitement of the goal, combined with the adrenaline of his debut, made it a moment of pure, unbridled elation for both players.
Yang Yang's corner kick was executed with exceptional precision, and Vermaelen's header was equally accurate. Ajax's players demonstrated remarkable coordination; Ibrahimovic and Wesley Sonck strategically drew Feyenoord's defenders out of position, creating a crucial gap in the six-yard box. Vermaelen capitalized on this opportunity with a perfectly timed header.
This goal was a thrilling display of tactical acumen and skill. Ajax had scored at a pivotal moment, further cementing the excitement and intensity of the match.
The hero of the moment was Belgian defender Vermaelen, whose consistent performance after coming off the bench was crucial. His decisive header showcased his potential, and it was likely that Ronald Koeman would recognize his contribution and afford him more opportunities in future matches.
However, the spotlight should also shine on Yang Yang, who wore the number 99 jersey. His contributions were instrumental in this sequence of play. From the accurate positioning kick that led to the corner, to the well-executed corner kick itself, Yang Yang had once again demonstrated his value as a core member of the team. His ability to deliver under pressure highlighted his essential role in Ajax's success.
On the other side, the Feyenoord players were visibly frustrated. Kuyt and his teammates were vocally urging the referee to address what they perceived as excessive celebration by Ajax players on the touchline. According to the rules, both teams were required to return to their respective halves to resume play, but Ajax's players were taking their time to celebrate the goal, raising concerns of deliberate delay.
The referee, adhering to the regulations, promptly intervened, signaling for the players to return to their positions. Despite this, Ajax's players seemed intent on savoring their triumph, further aggravating the situation. The delay added to the mounting tension, reflecting the high stakes of this critical match.
...
...
The game was restarted with Ajax holding a slender 2-1 lead. As the final moments of extra time approached, Ajax adopted a more defensive strategy, retreating across the pitch to protect their advantage. Even the dynamic right winger Yang Yang withdrew to help shore up their defense.
Feyenoord, now desperate to force a penalty shootout, threw everything they had into attack. Their players surged forward with urgency, hoping to level the score and send the match to penalties. The stakes were high: if they could equalize, they would have a chance to win the game in the unpredictability of a shootout.
Ajax's defense, meticulously organized under Ronald Koeman's guidance, remained resolute despite the considerable physical exhaustion of the players. Koeman's careful coaching had ensured that the defensive formation was solid and well-coordinated, minimizing the chances for Feyenoord to find a breakthrough.
As Feyenoord pressed relentlessly, their commitment to attacking left their defense increasingly exposed. The desperate push for an equalizer created gaps that Ajax could exploit.
With less than two minutes remaining on the clock, Ajax seized a pivotal moment. After winning possession in midfield, Sneijder, demonstrating quick thinking and sharp reflexes, delivered a precise pass behind the Feyenoord defense. His well-timed ball aimed to exploit the spaces created by Feyenoord's all-out offensive effort.
Yang Yang, having been a relentless presence on the ball, surged forward like a sharpened arrow. He outpaced Van Haaren, who struggled to keep up, and accelerated to intercept a precise pass from Sneijder. Yang Yang raced towards the ball with remarkable speed, positioning himself ahead of Van Wonderen.
Sneijder, fully aware of Yang Yang's capabilities, executed a long pass that was perfectly weighted. The ball landed smoothly, decelerating just enough for Yang Yang to close the distance and gain control. With a powerful stride, Sneijder continued to advance, watching as Yang Yang exploited the space.
Van Wonderen, quick to respond, closed in on Yang Yang near the edge of the penalty area. Yet, as he prepared to challenge, Yang Yang's sudden burst of speed caught him off guard. With a deft maneuver, Yang Yang stormed into the penalty area, setting up a clear shot on goal.
Desperate to prevent a certain scoring opportunity, Van Wonderen resorted to a tactical foul. He grabbed Yang Yang's jersey from behind, pulling him back and then releasing his grip forcefully. This action sent Yang Yang tumbling to the ground, disrupting his balance and halting his forward momentum.
Seizing the chance, Van Wonderen retrieved the ball and nudged it gently towards the goalkeeper, attempting to alleviate the immediate threat. However, his attempt to salvage the situation was in vain.
The referee, having observed the foul, immediately pointed to the penalty spot, signaling a decisive penalty kick. The stadium erupted in a chorus of cheers and roars from the Ajax supporters, sensing that this penalty could very well seal their victory.
The penalty, if converted, would push Ajax's lead to 3-1, a margin that would likely leave Feyenoord with no chance of recovery. The referee, not stopping at awarding the penalty, also issued a red card to Van Wonderen for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity. This was a strategic foul, and Van Wonderen, being the last defender, was punished accordingly.
Van Wonderen, accepting his fate, shrugged his shoulders in resignation. He gave a final nod to his goalkeeper, a silent acknowledgment of the burden now placed on him, before trudging off the pitch with a sense of helplessness. The weight of the red card and the impending penalty left Feyenoord in a dire situation, with the game slipping further from their grasp.
...
...
The Feyenoord players were visibly agitated, converging around the referee in a fervent attempt to overturn his decision. Their frustration was palpable as they argued vociferously, demanding a reconsideration of the call.
It was clear that while they acknowledged the red card as justified, they vehemently disputed the penalty. They contended that Van Wonderen's foul had occurred outside the penalty area and should have been adjudicated as a free kick instead. The belief among the Feyenoord players was that the decision was incorrect.
The head referee, however, stood firm in his decision. He gestured to his eyes, signaling that he had seen the incident clearly. Despite the Feyenoord players' protests, his stance remained resolute. The referee had tracked Yang Yang and Van Wonderen throughout the play, and his position suggested he had a clear view of the events. It appeared that Yang Yang's exceptional speed had made the foul look more severe than it might have appeared to others.
A slow-motion replay provided further clarity. Yang Yang had left Van Haaren trailing from the outset, highlighting the Feyenoord left-back's lack of speed. Sneijder's precise long pass had been expertly executed, enabling Yang Yang to exploit the space with remarkable pace. Even as he faced Van Wonderen, Yang Yang maintained his velocity and showcased a notable burst of acceleration.
In the replay, Van Wonderen's actions were evident: he had pulled on Yang Yang's shirt twice. The first tug was released, but by the second tug, Yang Yang had already entered the penalty area. This constituted a clear penalty, as confirmed by the replay.
Yang Yang's extraordinary speed, especially evident in the closing stages of the match, had put immense pressure on the Feyenoord defense, creating significant challenges for the defenders to manage.
With the red card and the resulting penalty, Ajax was presented with an opportunity to extend their lead further. The fans in the stadium held their breath, eager to see who would step up to take the crucial penalty kick.
...
...
Van Malvik approached Van Wonderen with a reassuring demeanor, embracing the beleaguered center-back and attempting to soothe the team's frayed nerves. The gravity of the situation was undeniable—Van Wonderen's foul, though desperate, had been a pragmatic decision under the circumstances. Without it, Yang Yang's run into the penalty area would have presented a clear one-on-one opportunity, making a goal almost inevitable.
As the players resumed their positions following the red card, Van Marwijk surveyed the scene with a look of profound dismay. His earlier confidence had been shattered by the relentless performance of Yang Yang, whose tenacity had left an indelible mark on the game. The sight of the young Chinese player, now mingling and laughing with his Ajax teammates, only served to heighten Van Marwijk's frustration and unease.
In stark contrast to Yang Yang's vibrant display, Van Marwijk's attention turned to his own left-winger, Van Persie. The disparity between the two players weighed heavily on him. Van Persie, who had been consistently disengaged, seemed indifferent to the ebb and flow of the match. This lack of urgency was a sharp contrast to the dynamic energy Yang Yang had brought to the game.
During his tenure with Feyenoord, Van Marwijk's relationship with Van Persie had been strained. Van Persie's preference for playing as a central striker clashed with Van Marwijk's tactical approach, which favored positioning him on the left wing. Van Marwijk had opted to place the newly acquired Kuyt in the striker role, believing that Kuyt's work rate and attacking pressure would more effectively challenge opposing defenses. This decision had only served to deepen the rift between them.
As Van Marwijk watched the lively exchanges and the evident camaraderie among Ajax's players, his dissatisfaction with Van Persie became even more pronounced. The juxtaposition of Yang Yang's spirited performance with Van Persie's lackluster presence left him feeling increasingly disillusioned and unbalanced. The contrast between Yang Yang's brilliance and Van Persie's indifferent attitude was a bitter reminder of the challenges he faced in rallying his team and achieving the desired results.
...
...
The stadium's big screen continuously replayed the slow-motion footage of Van Wonderen's foul, a dramatic reminder of the moment that shifted the game in Ajax's favor. The crowd roared with anticipation, the air thick with excitement as the radio announcers extolled Yang Yang's standout performance. Ajax's supporters, eagerly awaiting the celebrations, were on the edge of their seats.
The combination of Van Wonderen's red card and the ensuing penalty kick had effectively sealed the victory for Ajax. In truth, Ajax's triumph had been all but assured from the moment Yang Yang orchestrated Vermaelen's decisive corner kick. The momentum had been unstoppable.
Van Gaal, with a smile that hinted at both satisfaction and relief, turned to Van Praag. "Are you feeling desperate now?" he asked, his tone light and teasing.
Van Praag, though wearing a wry smile, shook his head with a hint of bitterness. "I just want to say that you, as the technical director, might have been a bit too relaxed."
Van Gaal paused, caught off guard, but then chuckled. The mood was buoyant with the penalty secured, yet there was an undercurrent of concern regarding Yang Yang's contract extension.
During the winter training break, Yang Yang's agent, Andrew, had met with the board of Twente, sparking media speculation. Despite Ajax's swift attempt to quell the publicity, Yang Yang had promptly terminated his relationship with the agent upon his return to the Netherlands. The media frenzy and heated fan discussions surrounding his future had proven overwhelming.
Yet, despite the off-field drama, Yang Yang continued to shine on the pitch. His performances remained consistently stellar, and his progress was evident in every match. The question of his contract renewal had become an urgent topic for Ajax.
Even Van Gaal, who had always recognized Yang Yang's potential, was taken aback by the speed of his development. Yang Yang's impact was undeniable. Not only had he been instrumental in Ajax's league campaign, but his contributions were also pivotal in securing their advancement to the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League. His performance in the Dutch Cup had further solidified Ajax as favorites for the trophy. Should they win, Yang Yang's role would be central, marking him as a hero of the tournament.
In just a handful of games, Yang Yang had delivered an impressive array of achievements. For someone so young, the rapid progression was remarkable.
Van Gaal was acutely aware of Yang Yang's areas for improvement. His first touch needed refinement, his short passing lacked precision, and his goal-scoring ability on the right wing remained inconsistent. Yet, Van Gaal knew that these were typical growing pains for a player who had just turned seventeen. In a more seasoned player, such shortcomings might be concerning, but for Yang Yang, they represented a wellspring of potential waiting to be realized.
Van Gaal's incredulity was palpable. Given Yang Yang's current trajectory and dedication to football, he wondered just how extraordinary the young player could become if he managed to address his existing deficiencies. The prospect of what Yang Yang might achieve was both thrilling and daunting.
"There's still time to discuss extending his contract," Van Praag suggested, his voice a mix of practicality and optimism. "We need to ensure the public and the media don't get too anxious."
Van Gaal nodded, his smile tinged with a touch of helplessness. "He hasn't found a suitable agent yet," he said, acknowledging the situation with a sense of resignation. "For someone like Yang Yang, who's so focused on football, the search for a trustworthy agent is crucial."
Van Gaal knew his friend well. Yang Yang's sole focus was on the game; everything else, including contract negotiations, seemed secondary. The worry was that if Yang Yang ended up with an unreliable agent, it could have serious repercussions, just as Andrew's involvement had clearly proven to be a misstep. The situation was a reminder of the delicate balance between a player's on-field brilliance and the off-field complexities that could either support or hinder their career.
...
...
The referee finally managed to calm the Feyenoord players, who were still arguing, and made it clear that the penalty decision was final.
As both teams regrouped outside the Feyenoord penalty area, anticipation crackled in the air. Ajax players, on the other hand, were visibly excited and eager. The question now was: who would take the crucial penalty?
Captain Van der Vaart was known for his penalty-taking skills, and Ibrahimovic and Wesley Sonck were also capable of handling the pressure.
But in a surprising move, Van der Vaart walked over to Yang Yang, who was standing near the right side of the penalty area. He placed the ball directly into Yang Yang's hands.
Yang Yang stood frozen for a moment, bewildered by the sudden responsibility. His teammates, as well as the fans, were taken aback. Even Ibrahimovic, a seasoned striker, had been a potential choice. The decision to let Yang Yang take the penalty was unexpected.
The reason behind it became clear: Yang Yang had earned this moment through his exceptional play. Ajax's victory seemed secure, and the penalty was a testament to Yang Yang's contribution to the game.
"Raphael, I..." Yang Yang began, unsure.
Van der Vaart, with a reassuring smile, said, "I believe in you. Don't stress about it. Just go and take it." He patted Yang Yang's shoulder, offering support.
Though Van der Vaart was only a few years older, his experience and leadership made him a mentor figure for Yang Yang. With the captain's encouragement, Yang Yang felt a mix of pressure and resolve.
Taking a deep breath, Yang Yang carefully walked to the penalty spot. He placed the ball on the white spot with steady hands, then took a few steps back. The stadium's roar faded into the background as he focused on the task at hand.
As the players from both teams positioned themselves for the kick, Yang Yang could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on him. Feyenoord's goalkeeper, standing poised and intimidating in the goal, spread his arms wide, making the target seem smaller and more elusive.
The sense of urgency and the gazes of thousands of fans made the moment feel monumental. Despite Yang Yang's mind urging him to stay calm and confident, the pressure was nearly overwhelming.
He wanted to win. He wanted to take the penalty and score.
"Zax, how do I take this penalty?" Yang Yang asked, his voice trembling slightly despite his best efforts to stay composed.
Yang Yang's mind was awash with the information he'd received from the coaching staff before the game, including Feyenoord's goalkeeping habits. Though there was no specific data on this penalty kick, he had a general sense of their tendencies. Yet, in this critical moment, it was all a blur.
"A penalty kick is a war between you and the goalkeeper. There are only two of you in the penalty area. All you have to do is fool him," Zax replied, his voice steady but lacking the precise guidance Yang Yang sought.
Zax could not offer specific advice at this point. Even he couldn't determine which area would be the most effective to score from, as the data on past penalties didn't apply to this crucial moment.
Yang Yang knew deep down that no one could help him now; he had to rely solely on himself.
He locked eyes with the goalkeeper, both players staring each other down. It was a psychological duel, each trying to read the other's intentions.
The referee's whistle pierced through the tension, signaling the start. Yang Yang had a sudden flash of insight. He closed his eyes briefly, then reopened them. In that moment, the goal and goalkeeper in front of him transformed into a familiar scene—the center of Almere, the skate park, the graffiti wall, and every pothole on the wall. He remembered how he would navigate those potholes or avoid them during his practice.
It was just like this penalty kick and the goalkeeper in front of him.
Taking a deep breath, Yang Yang steadied himself. He quickly moved forward, deliberately pausing halfway through his run-up to create a moment of hesitation. Then, with a burst of precision, he pushed the ball with his instep, sending it towards the goal at high speed.
The Feyenoord goalkeeper, fooled by Yang Yang's sudden pause, dove to his left, anticipating the ball would go in that direction. However, Yang Yang's penalty kick sailed straight down the middle.
Standing still, the goalkeeper was unable to react in time. Yang Yang's shot flew into the center of the net, beyond the goalkeeper's reach.
After scoring, Yang Yang bit his lower lip hard, a mix of relief and elation flooding through him. He raised his fist high above his head, turning to embrace the congratulations of his teammates, who swarmed him with cheers and pats on the back.
"When Yang Yang kicks with his instep directly into the middle, his psychological strength is truly remarkable. It takes a lot of courage and composure to execute a penalty like that," the commentator remarked.
"It's incredible to think he's only 17 years old. Facing a penalty, he chose a bold and unconventional approach."
"After the goal, Yang Yang appeared calm, but the entire Amsterdam Arena erupted in celebration."
With the score now 3-1, Ajax had all but sealed their victory. The fans roared with delight, and Yang Yang's decisive penalty kick had cemented his place as a key figure in the team's triumph.