A costly victory?

By: Richard | August 10th, 2008

AS Monaco 1 (Nimani 78)
Paris St. Germain 0

Much to the chagrin of the French media, PSG could not manage a single point at the Stade Louis II yesterday. It was nice to see so many spectators, I hope they weren’t all Parisian fans and journalists.

Monaco won despite losing Adriano and Cufre early in the first half. PSG controlled what was a dull opening hour or so, with Giuly buzzing around the park and Grandpa Claude kicking every Monegasque in sight and constantly lobbying the refs (I nearly fainted when they finally showed him a yellow in the second half). Maybe the old man was just annoyed by the titanic performance of MOTM Jean-Jacques Gosso, who was reminiscent of an Essien or a younger version of Claude himself.

Anyway, after an hour or so (which was precisely when Giuly was subbed off, PSG fans) Meriem and Nimani woke up and Monaco started to show some offensive intent. Luckily, neither Pancrate or Hoarau had their shooting boots on and neither troubled Ruffier too much in goal, despite a number of half-chances. Nimani headed Meriem’s ball over Landreau and that was it. A fine goal by the 19-year old, I hope it gives him lots of confidence for the coming season.

And what will the headlines say of our brave performance and the exciting play of our young team? “PSG LOSES”, complete with 100 mentions of Makelele. That’s the French media for you…

As the title suggests, this win is going to hurt. Monaco lost two of its defenders for six weeks. This team is already spread thin through injury. Defensive help and a proven goalscorer are an absolute must if this club doesn’t want to be in a relegation dogfight. Next week we travel to La Beaujolais to play Nantes, who will no doubt be very hungry to win in their first home match in Ligue 1 in some time.

Category: Monaco Team News

Tags: Camel Meriem, Frederic Nimani, Jean-Jacques Gosso, Ludovic Giuly, Monaco Team News, Paris St. Germain, Stephane Ruffier

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• Laurie |  August 10th, 2008 at 10:31 am

  
  
  

  And of course all the US fans want to know: What’s going on with Freddy Adu?

  Sounds like a good game. It’s fun to have some real names at PSG now.

  (Haha. Just yanking your chain.) Congrats to Monaco. I’m hoping they’re as interesting to watch as I think they’re going to be this year.

  Posted from United States

  

• Laurie |  August 10th, 2008 at 10:33 am

  
  
  

  And by “What’s going on with Adu?” I of course meant, “Oh! Right! Yes! I DO follow my own Olympics team!”

  Posted from United States

  

• Inara |  August 10th, 2008 at 11:53 am

  
  
  

  You aren’t the only one, Laurie. I couldn’t figure out why Adu didn’t even crack the bench yesterday until I realized that he was away for the Olympics.

  But at least you’re sort of keeping track of soccer in Beijing. I only watch three Olympic sports – gymnastics, track, and swimming, but I find Olympic soccer really boring.

  Posted from United States

  

• Sportboy |  August 10th, 2008 at 2:51 pm

  
  
  

  I did think much of the Gosso signing but if you say he was the man of the match then that is great news.

  Posted from United States

  

• Sportboy |  August 10th, 2008 at 2:51 pm

  
  
  

  didn’t^

  Posted from United States

  

• Corey |  August 11th, 2008 at 9:18 am

  
  
  

  Olympic soccer is boring, the Ivory Coast Serbia match was dull and the Belgium China match was poor at best. The pitch was awful.

  I think with the defensive injuries that the release of Berthod and the loan of Lo Sambou will be regretted. But I assumer an academy player will be promoted.

  Posted from United States

  

• TheMonacoFan |  August 11th, 2008 at 12:43 pm

  
  
  

  Dude man let me write for the offside !

  Posted from Denmark

  

• K-Rod |  August 11th, 2008 at 3:01 pm

  
  
  

  official: AS Monaco sign Dario Simic from AC Milan. That should help.

  Posted from United States

  

• Martha |  August 11th, 2008 at 4:01 pm

  
  
  

  I’m quite enjoying the Olympic football, maybe by watching Argentina and Italy I’m just picking the right matches?

  (That’s awful about Adriano and Cufre, impressive the team pulled it together and got a win despite the injuries which must have shaken then a bit.)

  Posted from United States

  

• richard |  August 11th, 2008 at 10:39 pm

  
  
  

  hey TheMonaco Fan: if you want to join in and help me, be my guest. aren’t there some blogs with two or more writers? i don’t know, i’m new here…

  Posted from United States

  

• TheMonacoFan |  August 12th, 2008 at 4:12 am

  
  
  

  That would fantastic : )
  I would love that, i have followed MOnaco since 2003 and i love them

  Posted from Denmark

  

• TheMonacoFan |  August 12th, 2008 at 8:58 am

  
  
  

  Damm it should have said That would BE fantastic xD

  Posted from Denmark

  

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