L1 : Strasbourg vs OM: Finish the year in style

[ZoltaR]

Strasbourg-OM: Finish the year in style
A trip to the Stade de La Meinau for the final match of 2005. Against Strasbourg, who won their first game of the season last weekend the Olympians need 'one last push before the break.'



STRASBOURG-OM
Ligue 1 - Round 19


For a while now, OM have been compiling a handsome list of scalps. First in the Group F of the UEFA Cup and sixth in Ligue 1, the Phoceen outfit is in form with a six game undefeated run including five wins and just a single defeat in Sofia since mid-November. A flattering run which comes to an end this Saturday at the Stade de La Meinau. "We need one more push before the winter break against Strasbourg in order to enjoy our holidays," said Wilson Oruma. "One more effort, one more tough match," added Jean Fernandez. Because a win in Alsace will boost even further the squads spirits, but most importantly, push the club a little higher up the table for the winter break: OM still in Europe and fighting for the top spots in the league. OM's disastrous start to the season is a long way behind the team now...

"The chance for something big"

This final push for more Chriostmas cheer will be Strasbourg. Not the toughest assignment if one considers the league standings. Dugueperoux's men are second-last and only got their first win last weekend against Nancy."There is no big or small team. Strasbourg hadn't won all season and suddenly they win their first game just days before we visit them," feared Oruma. Strasbourg are an injured beast and willo be desperate to perform in front of their public, while Marseille must be fearing a reproduction of their 0-3 shock at Le Mans. And the Olympian coach is not taking them lightly:"Despite their results, they're a team that play good football. They're playing for pride now against Marseille and they're going to be motivated and determined."

OM will also be without one of their stars: Frqnck Ribery, suspended. "It's a blow, but it will also give the other players a chance to play and play well. We'll have a good team, don't worry," reassured the trainer. "He's a key player and he won't be on the field but he'll be with us in spirit, we're like a big family and we'll be going there to win for him and the team," added Oruma.





Discipline
Referee: Damien Ledentu
Suspended OM: Ribéry
Suspended with next booking: Nakata
Suspended Strasbourg: -

Strasbourg
Players to watch: Pagis, Farnerud, Diané
Absent: -
Current standings: 19th with 11 points
Latest result: Nancy 1-2 Strasbourg



----------------BARTHEZ-------------------

---FERREIRA - DEHU - CESAR - TAIWO-------

LAMOUCHI - DELFIM - CANA - ORUMA - NASRI

-----------------NIANG---------------------

Substitutes: Carrasso, Méité, Gimenez, André Luis, Begeorgi (or Nakata)

Absent: Beye, Koke, Mendoza, Quesnel, Ba, L.N'Diaye, Cantareil, Deruda, Benatia

[om4ever]

Strasbourg 0 - 1 OM

Mission accomplished successfully :)

[SMSM]

why F.R not play to day ??

nice win ..

[om4ever]

why F.R not play to day ??

nice win ..

Ribéry was suspended at this match because of his yellow card took in Nancy match. It was the third card in less than 10 games of L1.

[L'OM15]

Nice! I had to go to work early in the second half when it was still 0-0. I was nervous all day. Good result I think we'll contiue to climb the table in the new year.

[ZoltaR]

Strasbourg 0-1 OM: Warm winter send-off
The Olympians ended 2005 with a win over Strasbourg, thanks to a Mamadou Niang goal and Fabien Barthez’s saves. OM are fifth at the halfway mark.


STRASBOURG 0-1 OM
0-1 Niang (60)
http://s.om.net/om/file/200512/stbg_niang.jpg
OM can head on their winter break full of festive good cheer. Despite being denied the services of Ribery (suspended), the Phoceen outfit continued their recent great form in Alsace, and ended the year with 31 points and in the European qualifying places. Ahead of Sunday’s two late games to mark the end of Round 19, Marseille are just a single point from second place – just a few short months after sitting bottom of the league… What a comeback!
Saturday’s match was in many ways, a representation of the entire first half of the season. A difficult start with several decisive saves from Fabien Barthez, to deny Gmamdia and Diana, keeping the side in the match was followed by a bit of luck when Farnerud’s shot beat the ‘keeper, only to come back off the post. It would have been no injustice had Strasbourg led the sides to the break.
But then, just like the 2005-06 season so far, the Phoceens got back in the game after the break. OM look dangerous and exciting and are ultimately successful with a goal on 60 minutes.
Just like the last two league games, against Nancy and Auxerre, Mamadou Niang has capped off the team’s hard work with the goal. Put through by Delfim, the Senagalese striker, on the limit of offside, tore away, and slotted the ball home. Perfect.
From then on there was no looking back and Marseille almost made it 2-0, but this time Puydebois was able to turn Niang’s shot behind (69). Ten minutes later the Strasbourg ‘keeper denied Nasri after the midfielder had scythed his way through.
Strasbourg almost got an equaliser in stoppage time but Barthez, who remained on the field despite a strained hamstring, denied Farnerud one last time and secured all three points for his side.
Look out for Marseille in 2006.
http://s.om.net/om/file/200512/stbg_1.jpg

[L'OM15]

I know it's a very minor thing but what does everone think of the blue shorts? I'm a traditionalist and I don't understand this current fad of teams changing their shorts. I don't think these look too bad, not as bad as Barcelona in the red, but I wouldn't like to see them make regular appearances.