While 14 teams opened the ball in the 32nd finals of the Coupe de France this Friday, some Little Thumbs took the opportunity to create a surprise and bring down more upscale teams. LOSC, the first Ligue 1 club to enter the fray, provided him with the essentials.
Espaly and Haguenau defy the predictions
Which means 32nd final of the Coupe de France, means national impact. As the final rounds gradually approach and the elite clubs enter the fray at this stage of the competition, any achievement immediately becomes more resounding. If the Martinicans of Saint-Joseph (R1), weighed down by logistical problems to join the race, were unable to resist Bastia (5-0), Mérignac (R1) almost knocked down Laval (L2), who came out on penalties (0-0, 3-4 tab) despite the gap of four divisions – and on a rural field, too.
Espaly (N3) and Haguenau (N2) succeeded in eliminating Dijon (N, 1-1, 4-3 tab) and Boulogne (N, 4-1) respectively. Prey to doubts against GOAL FC, Annecy (L2) finally ensured by dismissing the resident of National 2 (1-2), while Troyes outclassed an unrecognizable Metz (3-0) in the only duel between Ligue 2 clubs this evening, concluded with the deserved success of Lille in Rouen (0-1). Enough to mark the occasion as the first Ligue 1 club to enter the competition in this edition, before Toulouse, Brest, Le Havre, Nice, Lyon, Nantes, Montpellier and Strasbourg follow this Saturday.
The results of the 32nd finals:
Bastia (L2) – Saint-Joseph (R1) : 5-0
Espaly (N3) – Dijon (N) : 1-1 (4-3 tab)
GOAL FC (N2) – Annecy (L2): 1-2
Haguenau (N2) – Boulogne (N) : 4-1
Mérignac (R1) – Laval (L2) : 0-0 (3-4 t.a.b.)
Troyes (L2) – Metz (L2) : 3-0
Rouen (N) – Lille (L1) : 0-1
Photo credits: Sandra Ruhaut/Icon Sport
