Even though the goal counter is still ticking, the points capital is finally unlocked for the courageous and united team from Nice, who return from the North with a precious and well-deserved point. The next appointment for Claude Puel’s squad is next Saturday at 5 p.m. at the Ray, facing another great team from the North, Lille.
There was much to fear from this trip to Valenciennes, who had just come off a fine victory at Troyes on the first day, and it was with two changes from the first performance that Claude Puel’s team began the match, with Palun replacing the unfortunate Coulibaly and Guie Guie leading the charge for the team from Nice. And the choice seemed to be the right one in the early minutes of play, as it was Nice who looked the most dangerous, with a corner that was hard to capture by Penneteau and then an unsuccessful attempt by Traorรฉ. The team from Nice seemed well into the game, even if no major opportunity could be noted on either side.
The first half’s water break was reached calmly, and Digard had a shot attempt, but Penneteau was alert while Guie Guie played defender on a fierce run by Danic, with both goalkeepers ensuring and reassuring through their control of quite harmless crosses. Another final chance for the team from Nice, but Guie Guie’s header didn’t find the target. A goalless score as the teams returned to the locker rooms.
Guie Guie was replaced by Fofana on the Nice side, and it was Valenciennes, through Dossevi, who appeared dangerous, but Mr. Delerue did not grant a penalty that would have been unjust. Then it was Delle’s turn to reassure by deflecting a fine attempt from Camara followed by another from Ducourtioux. The goalkeeper from Nice saved his team from conceding a goal, undoubtedly deserved by an increasingly enterprising Valenciennes team. Another change for Nice with the entry of Meriem in place of Abriel. Pejcinovic went up well to attempt to demand a handball on his header, but no whistle from the referee.
Claude Puel then played his offensive card, with Bosetti replacing a too-often-invisible Guie Guie. Traorรฉ tried a shot but Penneteau remained imperial in his goals. With only ten minutes left to maintain, Delle put on a great display, first by intervening on a well-struck free kick by Samassa, then by deflecting a header at the near post by Pujol on the following corner. Bosetti used his enthusiasm and youth to break into the northern defense, but his shot didn’t succeed, just like his follow-up, after a good cross from Fofana, which resulted only in a corner that came to nothing. One last action for Meriem, well served by Bosetti, but the Nice midfielder’s shot flew just before the final whistle.
Satisfaction for the team from Nice, who returned from the North with a solid point, while waiting to perhaps collect some images next weekend against Lille!
Photo credit: www.ogcnice.com
