The heartfelt tribute to the fallen supporters
From the stands of the Azurean stadium, the pre-match atmosphere of this Sunday event between OGC Nice and Toulouse FC had a peculiar taste, one of reason and sadness. The awareness that everyone is just a speck of dust that flies away as quickly as it arrived. Sometimes in a more remarkable way than others…but with the same result. Alas! Facing a huge banner from Toulouse, displaying the portrait of the unfortunate supporter Brice Taton, murdered by cowards in the streets of Belgrade, the 9,500 spectators dedicated a minute of applause in memory and respect for three Nissarts, now gone. Guy-José Raybaud, 53, a former player and official of OGC Nice, who died accidentally, Ludovic Sabali, 19, who died on the road, and Richard Maurin, 55, a long-time subscriber in the lower sections.
A striking contrast when the players, entering the field, held up a sign at the center circle regarding the abolition of the collective image rights. A topic, certainly sensitive and important for the future of the clubs, inquisitive on the challenged state engagement, but not quite appropriate when it comes to saying goodbye to someone. At the risk of the message of preserving sports structures going unnoticed, the blending of certain genres sometimes not having the same color and thereby, the expected result.
An emotional prologue before Mr. Thual blew the whistle to start a game marked by a cautious approach. An observation period that would last for half the game, with the midfield battle nullifying the set attacks. A 30-meter shot from Gignac, wide of the goal (5th minute) served as the hors d’oeuvre of an initial phase, low in scoring opportunities. In the 10th minute, Loïc Rémy sent a cross to the far post towards Mamadou Bagayoko, the Malian headed it back for Anthony Mounier, whose shot on goal was stopped by Blondel. Then the flurry of shots off-target appeared, notably with attempts from internationals Gignac and Rémy (12th and 18th minutes).
The indefatigable Loïc Rémy, confident and serene, attempted to ignite his side line and in the 29th minute, his seemingly innocuous cross-shot forced the Toulouse goalkeeper to make a fingertip save from nowhere. Toulouse’s timid response came from a curling free-kick by Machado, punched away by Ospina. Before the break, a final ground attempt from Anthony Mounier, deflected for a corner, wrapped up the first 45 minutes that were dull yet solid for the Aiglons.
Despite the draw, looking at Nice’s past in certain matches, the new serenity established by the quartet Mabiala, Apam, Paisley, Gace is reassuring or even impressively solid at times. Adding to this a midfield that holds the game firmly and an attack that breathes friendship, the Mounier-Bagayoko-Rémy trio giving the impression of immense pleasure felt on the field. Admittedly, the score was 0-0 but TFC is not one of the best defenses in this championship for nothing, the team block functions well for lack of a sharp attack. The shortcomings of Montpellier or Bordeaux seemed far away at that moment in the match.
Loïc the bold, Rémy the classy
Back from the locker room, the Red and Black eleven seemed more determined, less lethargic in the face of the false rhythm imposed by Alain Casanova’s men. Despite this, it was the Toulousans, through Gignac, with a shot over (48th minute) and a fine shot stopped by David Ospina (49th minute), who appeared first dangerous.
It seemed like the team was flirting with the dreariness of the first half when an almost innocuous play changed the situation. On an aerial ball in his box, M’Bengue attempted a difficult mid-air control, the poorly negotiated move ended with his hand well away from his body. Penalty! A misjudgment by the player that would feed a mini-controversy about the involuntary nature of the gesture… the directives given by the League to referees seeming not to address this case when the arm is separated from the body… A blur between Toulouse anger and important management of this vital moment of the match by the Niçois, Mr. Thual relied on directives that are not yet uniform and perhaps on a “trauma” still fresh in everything related to the “hand” since France’s qualification against Ireland thanks to Thierry Henry’s. We’ll never know…
Facing Blondel, Rémy prepared to take the penalty, with no apparent pressure. Confident run, the French international attempted a cheeky Panenka, low but fast and straight down the center, which ended its track in the back of the net (51st minute). 1-0 for the Gym! A beautiful gesture that enabled the Aiglons to open the score and unlock a situation that seemed to foreshadow their first 0-0 of the season. In the stands, the supporters exulted, the decisive strike happening in front of the indomitable BSN.
The stadium could continue singing and in the 58th minute, it was close to 2-0 when that devil Rémy crossed from the right side for his partner Bagayoko, who, well-placed at the far post, saw his close-range header hit the post. The action picked up pace and Téfécé tried to react, but timidly, as the Gym was content to manage their lead. A cross from Ebondo was intercepted by Opina in the 70th minute, a shot from Bagayoko in the 88th minute, and we seemed to be heading towards the 4th consecutive victory in Red and Black.
Gignac, in his final action in the 89th minute, appeared alone on the right side of the area and delivered a powerful low shot that was authoritatively stopped by Ospina with a solid hand. It ended there; the public and the team could breathe, OGC Nice pocketed a precious victory knowing that 3 consecutive away games awaited them in December. The team that had humiliated Lyon, beaten Le Mans, and disgusted PSG, was brought back tonight with the same success. With a bench composed of Faé, Traoré, Bamogo, Echouafni, Sablé… there is hope for great things in the future… until the Africa Cup of Nations where 13 players are likely to participate in the international tournament. Meanwhile, it’s a united and humble team that ties the performances, placing 9th in the standings, led by a Rémy of great stature.
Photos Alex OGC Nice.com
