Sixty years to the day later, the Arras club will find itself back in the Round of 32 of the French Cup, facing Nice players who are firmly resolved not to miss the chance to secure their ticket to the last 16. The match will take place on the turf of the Avion club, where the people of Arras hope to take off once again after their achievement against Lens. While nothing is impossible for the brave of heart, it would indeed take a miracle for the famous Place des Héros in Arras to erupt in celebration of their qualification. Club President Philippe Thellier and his coach Christophe Raymond still believe, and there is no doubt that the red and blue will give all their energy to bridge the four divisions that separate them from the red and black.
On the Nice side, Ospina, Diakité, and Kanté have been rested by Antonetti, and Lionel Letizi will make his return to the Nice squad. “I watched the match against RC Lens and we need to be very vigilant because the north is a true land of football. Several Arras players come from the training centers of professional clubs.” Cautious, the island coach prefers to be safe than sorry, as an elimination would be unwelcome at the start of the season.
Other matches to watch include clashes between Bordeaux and Saint-Etienne, Sochaux and Rennes, Toulouse and Valenciennes, and also Ajaccio vs Auxerre and Nantes vs Caen.
The magic of the French Cup starts afresh for this new year 2009!
Arras squad: Lambenne, Hoet, De Barros, Delépine, Daval, Achy, Hunet, Lombard, Luyssen, Bellatrêche, Lamourette, Catelet, Duchâteau, Hadjal, Bellaredj, Robail, Diarra, Lamiaux or Azeroual.
Nice squad: Letizi, Moreau, Apam, Cid, Gace, Hognon, Jeunechamp, Rool, Echouafni, Faé, Hellebuyck, Traoré, Bamogo, Ben Saada, Modeste, Mouloungui, Ozokwo, Quansah.
The French Football Federation has designated the referees for the Arras – Nice match. Ruddy Buquet will be the referee, assisted by Florian Mauviel and Michel Magnoni.
