OGC Nice drew 1-1 yesterday at the Auguste-Delaune stadium against Reims. With a diamond 4-4-2 formation, the Nice team controlled the ball in the first half, but Reims’ reorganization in the second half and a conceded penalty prevented Jérémy Pied’s teammates from leaving with all three points.
Playing on a poor-quality, greasy pitch made it difficult to maintain good footing. Nice was able to adapt and develop a commendable level of play. From the start of the match, the ball flowed between the studs of the Aiglons. In the 5th minute, Ben Arfa on the right decided to switch wings to spread the play and find spaces. Boscagli received the long crossfield pass on the left flank, controlled it, and delivered a superb inswinging cross with his left foot that found Germain well-positioned in the box. The former Monaco player followed up with a shot, missing his first one-on-one, but then headed the ball in after it was parried by Placide (0-1). With this goal, Valère Germain scored his seventh goal of the season, tying with Hatem Ben Arfa for the club’s top scorers.
Fifteen minutes into the game, Nice had 64% possession compared to Reims’ 36%. For the remainder of the half, the Nice players were calm and confident without much pressure from Reims, who seemed overwhelmed. Lacking aggression, Reims struggled significantly in front of their home crowd. A minor scare at the half-hour mark came from a header by Ngog, well served by Traoré, but the ball went well wide, causing no trouble for Nice. Just before halftime, Reims tried to score following a nice move, but to no avail. Nice logically led 1-0 at the break.
No ‘champagne football’
Back from the dressing rooms, Reims changed tactics and switched to a 4-4-2 to try and react and leave less space for Claude Puel’s impressive diamond formation. Although the Nice team was under pressure, Reims’ attacks were not dangerous (55th, 60th, 62nd, 64th, 65th minutes). In response, Ben Arfa struck a long shot from 35 meters, which went two meters wide of Placide’s right post. All these missed opportunities reflected the lack of focus of a team still searching for a victory since September on their home ground.
Key Moment
But perseverance often pays off. On a cross and a deflection from a Reims player, the ball fell onto Koziello’s hand, who had been impeccable until then. At the 76th minute, match referee Franck Schneider awarded a penalty. It was harsh for Nice and their supporters considering the performance. Diego converted forcefully with his left foot. Cardinale dove the right way but couldn’t stop the fiercely hit ball.
For the first time, Nice was on the back foot and nearly went behind through Siebatcheu, but Le Marchand cleared off the line (81st minute). In this action, the Reims striker inadvertently grazed Cardinale’s ankle with his studs. A few minutes before the end of the match, Cardinale requested to be substituted. The end of the match was scrappy and tense, with Kankava booking a yellow card (92nd minute) and Mandi receiving a red (94th minute). The Nice players were frustrated, and Reims sought to win in front of their fans, but the score remained unchanged.
The Nice team could have regrets, but overall, each team had its half, and the draw seems warranted. Nice is temporarily in 4th place in the league, while Reims is in 15th.
Next Friday, Nice faces Montpellier for their last match of the year.
Photo credit and more information available at www.ogcnice.com
PS: Initially scheduled for 5 PM, the match between the two teams was moved forward to 4 PM. The match was rescheduled an hour earlier due to the Euro 2016 draw organized at 6 PM that same day.
The draw for the French team: Group A: France – Romania – Albania – Switzerland
Kevin Chifflet
