A victory, 3 points, and a match completed without conceding any goals. There are many reasons to be satisfied after OGC Nice’s successful match in Lille, with a decisive 2-0 scoreline. The match was won with realism and effectiveness thanks to the promising duo of Bruls and Cvitanich, who were involved in both goals.
The eaglets were on the brink of breaking before the break, looking disorganized in play and struggling defensively. It must be noted that the break proved beneficial for the morale of Claude Puel’s men. Without playing a great match, they managed to keep a clean sheet while demonstrating attacking realism, thanks to the crafty Cvitanich, who scored his second and third goals in four league matches.
Mentally, the eaglets approached this match in the best possible way. Much sharper in their duels against their Lille counterparts, the conquering spirit of the Azuréens allowed them to finish the first half with a comfortable lead. Two goals where Bruls and Cvitanich showcased all their talents. The small Belgian winger, newly arrived from Gent, provided two high-class assists. The first from a clever heel deflection to Cvitanich who fired the ball into the top corner, and the second after a fine run, where the Belgian set up the Argentine, who calmly slid the ball past Enyeama with the inside of his foot.
Nice can also thank the factor of luck and the success necessary to win this kind of match. Despite conceding two goals, the Northerners pressed to get back into the game in the second half. Kalou, Rodelin, and Gueye were repeatedly thwarted by Nice’s goalkeeper Ospina, or the post came to his rescue. The referee also should have awarded a penalty for a foul by Pecjinovic in the box on Kalou.
In the end, OGC Nice did well in the second half, seizing their only opportunities while showing defensive solidity. We are far from the flamboyant Nice of last season, especially in ball usage, but the victory is there. The experimental defense of Pecjinovic and Bodmer held firm despite some lapses from the Serb, providing assurance to coach Claude Puel. One less concern after the 7 goals conceded in previous matches. This bodes well before facing Valenciennes next Sunday for the inauguration of a brand new Allianz Riviera, energized by 35,000 Niçois.
Photo credit: www.ogcnice.com
