Did they have some one at the game. IMO bit harsh saying City?Quote:
completely outclassed
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Indo
Fenn goal keeps Rebel Army's hopes alive
Monday July 19th 2004
FC NANTES 3
CORK CITY 1
CORK CITY'S Intertoto Cup dream hangs by a thread after Nantes completely outclassed the Irish side in the quarter-finals first leg at Stade La Beaujore last evening.
Despite rumblings of disquiet in the Nantes camp, the French First Division side certainly showed no signs of strain, rather they exuded class in all areas of the field to score three excellent goals before a passionate 12,000-strong crowd.
Cork battled gamely but as manager Pat Dolan admitted afterwards: "We have never played against such a side that has quality written all over it, but I'm extremely proud of my players. They battled to the end and deservedly got a goal that keeps this tie alive."
Cork still have a slim chance in Turner's Cross on Saturday before what is certain to be a sell-out crowd.
Nantes exhibited a range of skills that dazzled the Irish side but thanks to some defensive and goalkeeping heroics from Alan Bennett, Dan Murray and Michael Devine, the final scoreline flattered Cork City.
Nantes midfielder Olivier Quint was in inspirational form and strikers Hassan Ahamada and Frederic Darocha were a bundle of tricks for the overworked Cork defence.
Nantes lorded possession in the first half although Neale Fenn did come close in the fifth minute, latching on well to a George O'Callaghan cross. Cork's attacks proved sporadic thereafter and with City overstretched at the back and struggling to nullify an exuberant Nantes midfield, the opener soon materialised.
Flamboyant winger Aurelien Capoue broke behind the Cork defence and his square ball was met by the in-rushing Quint. The midfielder beautifully placed it in the bottom right-hand corner.
Nantes attacked relentlessly on both flanks and should have done better with all their possession but they landed a much deserved second in the 21st minute when Jeremy Toulalan launched a long ball onto the foot of Ahamada. Showing wonderful control and skill, Ahamada brought the ball down and in one movement rounded Devine and tucked it home nonchalantly.
Nantes should have increased their lead before the break but an under-pressure City defence held on defiantly.
Nantes started the second half in similar mood and notched a third in the 64th minute when Quint squared the ball beautifully for Darocha and his strike gave Devine no chance.
Cork never dropped their heads and went in search of the away goal. It came in the 79th minute when John O'Flynn broke from midfield, and with Nantes defensively frail, he set up his striking partner Fenn who finished with real aplomb to give Cork some hope for the return leg.
Dolan said: "Nantes will come to Ireland this week as overwhelming favourites. They are a formidable side with a lot of top class players, but this tie isn't dead, the rebel army will battle on."
NANTES - Grondin, Fae (Leray 56), Darocha, Capoue, Quint, Savihaud, Toulalan, Ahamada (Glombard 69), Guillon, Drouin, Pailleres.
CORK CITY - Devine, Murphy, Bennett, Murray, Lordan, Doyle, O'Brien, O'Callaghan, Kearney, Fenn, O'Flynn.
REF - J Ferriera (Portugal)
