Thanks to a goal by the inevitable Anthony Mounier, Nice managed to win 1-0 against Caen. The Eagles climbed two places in the standings and finally stepped out of the relegation zone.
Nice can finally breathe. While nothing is settled yet, Renato Civelli’s teammates clinched their first league victory of 2012 last night against Caen. Indeed, the Azurans had gone six matches without a win since taking three points against Valenciennes on December 17. The Nice hero was once again named Anthony Mounier, who gave his team the lead with a beautiful header shortly after the start of the second half (50th minute).
More than the result, it’s the mindset of the Nice team that will stay in the minds of the supporters and club officials. The wake-up call from President Jean-Pierre Rivรจre to his players seems to have had the desired effect on the team as the players showed a side that we had rarely seen this season, namely rigor, solidity, and enthusiasm.
Still a cruel lack in finishing
From the start of the match, the Nice players were the first to create opportunities and pose a threat. Notably thanks to Eric Mouloungui, who missed two successive chances in the 18th and 24th minutes of play. The captain and former Parisian Didier Digard also narrowly missed the chance to open the score following an ultra-powerful free kick, deflected by Nabab, but which was heading towards the goal (38th minute).
In the second half, Nice remained in control of the match and continued to dictate the play. In the 50th minute, Guiรฉ Guiรฉ did a superb job on the right side. He beat several defenders and delivered a perfect cross for former Lyon player Anthony Mounier, who took his time to adjust and beat the Caen goalkeeper. 1-0 for OGC Nice and the score remained unchanged. Renรฉ Marsiglia’s players just had to hold their match, and the dismissal of Caen’s full-back Montaroup made things easier for the Azurans.
Marsiglia relieved, Dumas upset
If there’s one person relieved by this victory, it’s Nice coach Renรฉ Marsiglia. “Yes, we were afraid to win, afraid of being caught up after scoring. But it’s this fear that inhibited the team and now relieves the whole team. Psychologically, not being in the relegation zone anymore feels really good,” expressed the Azurian coach, finally finding his smile and hope again.
Meanwhile, Caen coach Franck Dumas criticized the “home” refereeing by Mr. Bastien. “We really got screwed, it’s been a long time since I talked about refereeing, but now I’m fed up, yet another three important points lost because of bad decisions,” he stated before leaving the press room immediately after his remarks.
In the next matchday, Nice will travel to Bordeaux, who lost last night against the new leader of the Ligue 1 championship: Montpellier. In the meantime, the Eagles will finally be able to savor their first victory of the year and fully enjoy this weekend thanks to this big breath of fresh air.
