PSG Vs. Lille, Coupe De France Final: Lille Capture Cup In Dramatic Fashion

For the first time in 56 years, LOSC Lille have captured a major trophy by winning the Coupe de France Final over Paris St. Germain in dramatic fashion. Both goalkeepers were good for most of the match, but an error by Gregory Coupet at the very end gifted the 1-0 victory to Lille, whose bench and fans went absolutely bananas at the conclusion of the game.

The winning goal was scored on a free kick by Ludovic Obraniak, a man who had just one goal previously this season for Lille. He took an in-swinging free kick with his left foot from the right side of the pitch in the 88th minute, and Coupet was caught sleeping. The ball curled around to the far post and into the back of the net, leaving PSG stunned.

Oh boy, this one has been dire. Most of us expected a spectacle with some good attacking football at the Stade de France tonight in the Coupe de France final, but instead, Paris St. Germain and Lille have produced a match that looks like a cup final, with both teams looking nervous, defensive, and playing afraid to lose.

Gregory Coupet had to make a very good kick save on a free kick in the 17th minute, but that’s been about it for the clear cut scoring chances. Lots of credit is due to the defensive midfielders on both sides, especially Claude Makelele, but games where most impressive player for both teams is the defensive midfielder usually aren’t thrilling, and this game is no exception.

A busy slate of mid-week games means a less crowded Ligue 1 fixture list over the weekend, with all seven games taking place on Sunday and one lonely little match on Monday. Saturday is still a big day though, with Lille looking to claim the French Cup against PSG and sew up the first half of a major double.

Saturday