Nîmes Olympique: after the draw (1-1) conceded at the end of the match against Sochaux, the Crocos' notes

Goalkeeper Simon, who is imposing himself here in the air, is a real guarantee of security for Nîmes. MIDI LIBRE – MIKAËL ANISSET

Nîmes held on to their victory until the … 90th + 3 against a Sochaux team that did almost nothing in the match. For the Crocodiles, it is clearly two points lost.

Ngapandouentnbu (7) : whether in the air – an authoritative exit at the edge of his area on these off-centre free kicks coming from Lienard (34th, 54th), on the ground – a clean diving block of Da Costa's header on target (45th + 1), or standing – an attempt caught by Sochaux's Hoggas, right in the middle of the twenty-metre line (5th) – Simon was irreproachable. Less in demand after the break, the goalkeeper on loan from OM could do nothing about Gnanduillet's penalty, caught off-guard (1-1, 90th +3).

Labonne (4): on his right side, facing Lecolier or Hoggas, he sometimes struggled, especially during the initial act. Too easily eliminated by the latter, who crossed for Loubao, whose attempt was caught by Simon (20th). Launched, full speed into the area, by Mexico, his cross ended… at the 3rd post (61st).

Diouf (6): a rather quiet encounter for the former Versaillais, rarely put in danger by a rather neutral Sochaux attack. He showed the necessary confidence in the position.

Paviot (6): Mendy suspended, he chained a second consecutive start. Without overdoing it, the left axial showed himself to be diligent and serious. Strong in the duel, he also knew how to impose his physique. Well placed, in the surface, to cut off a Sochaux attack with the tip of his foot (79th). Unscrews his clearance but Simon, vigilant in his goal, recovers his error (84th).

Beneddine (5): from the start, he was more than active in his left wing, author of three crosses in the first seven minutes. Always available, he tried to offer whenever he could, especially before the break. In the second half, he knew how to remain vigilant defensively, warding off danger wisely.

Doukansy (4): the crocodile defensive midfielder made almost as many fouls as he recovered balls. Too messy, we haven't yet found the great ''Douk'' of last season. Author of a good return, in the surface, in order to cut off a Doubiste offensive (59th). Replaced by Akkal (62nd).

Picouleau (cap., 6) : his knee, injured against Versailles, is doing better. And what can we say, then, about his left foot. His half-volley, from the edge of the box, on a free kick from Abdeldjelil blocked by the Sochaux wall, ended up in the top corner of a beaten Patouillet (1-0, 67th). The captain for the evening, in place of Mendy (suspended), showed the way.

Ali (6): moving on his right wing, he was watched very closely in marking by his opposite number Ouammou, getting to know the National defenses a little better. The young 18-year-old striker is willing, generous but sometimes, also, a little too messy. After the break, however, he gave the Doubs defense a hard time with his incessant runs and calls. El Hamri replaced him in the 86th minute.

Mexico (6): the most active and hard-hitting of the Crocos during the initial act. A header over the top, without danger (3rd). Between cleaning and raking in the middle, in addition to taking corners, on the left side, he took care of almost everything for a long time. His tense strike, a twenty-meter kick, grazed Patouillet's cage (24th). A complete and accomplished match for the best crocodile outfield player of the evening.

Bouaoune (4): showed a fair bit of clumsiness overall. One of his back passes, poorly executed for Beneddine and intercepted by Fatar, could have cost his team more. On a counterattack, his cross to Abdeljelil, too predictable, was easily intercepted by the Sochaux rearguard (24th).

In the 30th minute, on the edge of the Sochaux area, Mexico tried a one-two with him, a combination that would remain at the stage of ''one'', poorly securing his pass. He was able to carry the danger with this smashed header that ended up in Patouillet's small net (38th minute). Replaced by Camara (62nd), invisible during the half hour spent on the pitch before provoking the penalty (unfair, the ball having hit his face before his hand) and being sent off on the spot (90th + 3).

Abdeldjelil (4): less prominent in recent outings after scoring (his) three goals in the first four days, the crocodile center forward is going through a period of doubt. In the 16th minute, he crushes his shot too much, without danger for the Doubs goalkeeper Patouillet.

Three minutes later, he goes on a rush that ends… in six meters, forgetting Mexico in the area (19th). His free kick blocked by the Doubs wall led to Picouleau's goal (67th). To his credit, a big defensive fallback job. Replaced by Badu (81st) whose first appearance in the NO jersey was.

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