Carried by an inspired Masson – Boissier – Traoré trident, the VAFC defeated Thionville with forceps (2-2, 4-5 tab) despite Mathieu Michel at fault again, this Sunday evening. From 4 to 6, discover our scores after this 32nd final of the Coupe de France.
The satisfactions
Placed in front of the defense, Julien Masson (6) found color for the premiere of Vincent Hognon. Adjustment variable during a disappointing first part of the season, the club's child has regained his influence in a number 6 role which puts him in perfect defensive and offensive positions. Omnipresent in recovery (18′, 20′, 35′, 38′, 53′), he also made the game more fluid in the low construction phase. A true player of balance, he scored big points for the last of the year.
Often tried a notch higher in recent weeks, where it is less relevant because less facing the game, Remy Boissier (6) was interesting in a role as a relay midfielder that he knows like the back of his hand. With incredible precision on set pieces – decisive passer for Lucas Woudenberg (1-2, 73′), almost on two other occasions (27′, 37′) – he was a bit more subdued in the game. He nevertheless retained a relatively important role as a link between the midfield and the attack of the VAFC.
Certainly, Daouda Traore (6) missed his shot on goal and could have led the VAFC to its loss. But his teammates before and after ensured that he won the qualification and, also, did not forget the good 90 minutes of the 18-year-old midfielder. In difficulty at kick-off, he quickly set the record straight to show off his technical ease and his quality of projection with or without the ball (26′, 30′, 35′, 62′, 90+4′ ). Single-handedly, he created gaps and pushed back the Thionville block, while being very available to the ball carrier. Deliberate defensively, even if still imperfect on certain framings, he was even able to score a splendid goal, before being narrowly flagged offside (63').
He blew hot and cold
We can never blame Ahmed Diomande (5) a lack of investment or apprehension of the duel. The 22-year-old right back, moved to the left for the occasion, is a real electric battery, an enormous ball of energy that is still difficult to channel. Thus, the Malian was often too aggressive and/or naive in the duel (12′, 20′, 22′, 32′), but he also shined in the air thanks to his great vertical relaxation and his physical impact. More comfortable offensively, he sought to put a lot of dynamism, intensity and verticality into everything he did. Enough to highlight, also, its still too significant technical and decision-making waste.
The disappointment
Determining against Le Mans, Matthew Michel (4) was much less imperial in Thionville. Author of a few important saves on his line (22′, 48′), the VAFC goalkeeper is especially at fault on the opposing goal by missing his aerial exit (48′) and comes very close to reproducing the same error for the same effects a few minutes later (61′). Still uneven in the air, with some more reassuring sequences (6′, 71′, 90+3′), he confirms his laudable qualities while suffering from the comparison with a Jean Louchet who is more confident than him. Note that, during the penalty shootout, he did not need to work since the Thionvillois either scored on their attempt on target or let their shot fly well above his goals.
Match notes:
Michel (4), Buades (5), Poha (5), Woudenberg (6), Diomandé (5), Boissier (6), Masson (6), Traore (6), Lilepo (5), Oyewusi (5), Boutoutaou (5)
Photo credits: Hugo Pfeiffer/Icon Sport
