But before he could, Najah poked the ball away and took off on the counter.
[RKC Waalwijk breaking now—this could be dangerous!]
Najah sprinted forward, with Boukhari and Lieder flanking him. AZ Alkmaar scrambled to get back, but the sudden transition left them exposed.
[Look at this counterattack! It's three against two!]
Najah surged forward, pushing deeper into AZ Alkmaar territory. Reijnen tracked him, waiting for the right moment—
And then, right at the edge of the 18-yard box, he lunged in. His foot failed to get the ball and instead, his trailing foot caught Najah just behind the ankle.
[Oh, that's reckless!]
Najah went down in a heap instantly. The whistle blew instantly.
Fweeeee!!!
[PENALTY!] Mike shouted. [The referee points straight to the spot! RKC Waalwijk have a chance to cut the gap to one goal in the last minute of added time!]
The AZ Alkmaar players swarmed the referee, furious at the decision. Reijnen threw his arms up, shaking his head in disbelief.