The corner was about to be taken. Gerrard placed the ball down, his eyes scanning the chaos in the 18 yard box.
Liverpool's big men—Agger, Skrtel, and Carragher—were all in position, jostling for space.
Jamie Carter: [Another dangerous moment for AZ Alkmaar. They've survived so far, but how long can they keep this up?]
Rob Townsend: [Liverpool are throwing everything at them now. One clean connection, and this place will explode.]
Gerrard raised his hand. The signal was clear.
He whipped the ball in—fast, curling, dipping. It was headed straight for the six-yard box.
Bodies flew.
Agger leaped highest, his forehead meeting the ball with force. It shot straight at goal!
Alvarado reacted on instinct, barely having time to move. His hands shot up, blocking the ball with sheer reflex.
The rebound spilled loose and Suárez who lurked dangerously close pounced.
Jamie Carter: [Loose ball—Suárez!]