After Amiens in the 32nd final of the French Football Cup, Thaon-les-Vosges (N3), little thumb of the 16th, welcomes Strasbourg (L1), Wednesday January 15, 2025. On paper, there is no photo but the Coupe de France always has surprises in store. The Vosges dream of a first round of 16.
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For ES Thaon-les-Vosges, the return to daily life after their qualification against Amiens in the 32nd final of the Coupe de France was not convincing. A defeat at home against Jura Dolois (1-3) in the National 3 championship where the Vosges are in a delicate eleventh place. “We’re not going to lie to each other” admits Romain Chouleur, the club’s coach, at the microphone of France 3 Lorraine, “in the cup, the players have their heads in the stars. Our results in the championship are frustrating but we will use them“.
We will do the same thing as usual: bring generosity, determination and that little spark that pushes us into this competition.
Romain Chouleur, coach of ES Thaon
The new obstacle is a mountain: a neighboring Ligue 1 team, RC Strasbourg, undefeated in official competitions since November 30, 2024.We suspect that it will be complicated with a team that is performing well” explains Raphaël Rodriguez, the goalkeeper, “we will do everything to make them doubt for as long as possible. Our strength is our stable workforce and this extra soul allows us to surpass ourselves“.
The Alsatians will perhaps have their heads elsewhere. In a respectable ninth place in Ligue 1, they are clearly aiming higher this season and must soon travel to Marseille before welcoming Lille. “We know that the step will be much higher” analyzes Romain Choleur, “statistically, we know that we are less lucky but we also know that we have no limits and that we will give everything. I have a group of players who are loyal to the club, who pull in the same direction and who help each other. They like each other and know each other well. We will do the same thing as usual: bring generosity, determination and that little spark that pushes us into this competition. We are also counting on the public who will be behind us. Human and sporting values. I remind you that it is an achievement for a National 3 club to arrive in 16th three times over the last four seasons. We have not yet managed to take this step. This time, we all hope for a happy outcome“.
A great craftsman, the captain, Wilfried Rother, is “eager to be there. It’s good pressure. We enjoy these moments. It will take a lot of courage, self-sacrifice and solidarity. This trick makes us fall every time“. “Frankly, we can pass, enthuses Jean-Marie, a loyal supporter, “we have already eliminated Amiens and other big teams… Hope keeps us alive“.
At least 3,000 spectators, including 450 Strasbourg supporters, are expected on Wednesday January 15, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. at the Stade de la Colombière in Épinal. Places are still available to push the little thumb of the competition towards a historic qualification in the round of 16.
