Nîmes Olympique: after the important success (2-0) against Rouen, the notes of the Crocos

Hamza Sbai's first professional goal allowed Nîmes to double the lead against Rouen. FREE NOON – ALEXIS BETHUNE

Even if it wasn't always good, especially in the first period, Nîmes pulled away to return to victory (2-0) against Rouen, at the Antonins. After six defeats in a row, this success relieved an entire team, even if NO is still relegated (15th). 

Paradowski (6): rather quiet evening for the crocodile goalkeeper, who did not have a save to make until the 84th minute of play, where he diverted, with a knee reflex, an attempt from Bensoula’s right. A more than important stop at this moment of the match, preventing Rouen from coming back to score. Quickly diverts Bassin's recovery at point blank range (90th + 6).

Sbai (7): offensive, the defender was undoubtedly the best technically during the initial half hour, between oriented control and well-felt crosses. Subsequently, he even had the luxury of scoring his first professional goal in his career, finding himself at the conclusion of a ride initiated by Diallo (2 -0.50th).

Diouf (5): a rather complicated start to the match, not showing any serenity, like this restart… for no one (4th). A quieter evening afterwards, where his physical presence undoubtedly played a role.

Mendy (cap., 6): he is overtaken by Bensoula in the area on an action concluded by a shot above the  #39;FCR striker, Dia (18th). Made up for it on this same Dia by winning his duel with the Norman, one against one on the halfway line (20th). His well-felt backheel in the area led to Mbemba's goal (47th).

Diallo (6): he also did not hesitate to create the surplus in the middle as soon as he could. At the origin of the second crocodile goal, with his rise in the left corridor followed by his cross to the line for Sbai. Still at the forefront with a quarter of an hour to go, his center finding no takers (75th).

Burner (5): positioned right midfield, he tried to bring percussion to his side. Is at the origin of the first croco situation when he infiltrates the Rouen defense, his center being blocked (11th). A big situation, even a real scoring opportunity, but his shot lacked power, ending up in the arms of the former Gard goalkeeper, Maraval (36th). He gave up his place at the end of the match to Delpech (85th).

Mexico (7): the Martinican international community had a great night, combining power in recovery and technique in transition. His cross, following a corner played in two stages, was at the origin of Mbemba's opening score (47th). Gets out of a dangerous situation in the center of the field… with a roulette. Feel comfortable with the ball, all without forgetting to defend.

Picouleau (6): sober but technically clean, the midfielder often made the game more fluid in his zone, a perfect complement to Mexico in front of the defense guard. Correct output.

Mbemba (7):in the races, as sometimes in the appeals, he showed himself to be too approximate on the front of the NO attack, like Mbina and Doucouré. Procrastinates too much when it comes time to strike (46th). Made up for it in masterful fashion by opening the scoring with a low right shot into the area, trailing after a corner poorly cleared by the defense Normandy (1-0, 47th). His attempt at a curled right was knocked out by Maraval (78th).

Mbina (5): we felt NO's top scorer (5 goals) borrowed throughout the evening. Generous in the effort, dropping out to recover balls, he showed himself a little too borrowed, on an action, when making a Nîmes offensive more fluid (23rd). Loses again, on the shoulder, his duel with Rouen captain Bassin (25th). Serves Burner well, launched into the area, on the latter's overly crushed shot (35th). Replaced by Sacko shortly before the hour mark (58th).

Doucouré (5): he struggled, he did what he could but everything remained too messy, like when on this action, near the visiting area, he trips and misses his pass (39th). Always present in the second half even if he did not manage to highlight himself with a goal scored. Substituted by Wade (85th).

I subscribe to read more