The 100th edition of the Coupe de France featured an entry of over 7000 teams from across the country and the overseas territories. One of the finalists, Paris Saint-Germain, was predicted by many. The other would not have been forecast by the pundits. Les Herbiers were struggling in the French third tier. They managed to reach Paris by beating Lens and Auxerre, among others. But without facing a top-level team, in the Stade de France, before over 73,000 fans, they performed heroically. Les Herbiers were the heroes but PSG won a record 12th French Cup.
Les Herbiers Were the Heroes but Couldn’t Overcome PSG
Macron Chats, PSG Hit the Woodwork
The proceedings began with a mixed reception for President Macron. As if to ignore the dissent he then spent considerable time speaking to each of the players. Once the match began PSG proceeded to hit the goal frame on a couple of occasions. Clearly, Les Herbiers would not have faced players like Kylian Mbappe in the National League. His surging pace often caused them problems. But they generally held firm, helped by some luck. Just the one strike by Argentinian Geovani Lo Celso eluded goalie Pichot in the first half.
Cavani Again on the Scoresheet
Early in the second period, it seemed PSG had gone further ahead after a neat Edinson Cavani and Mbappe combination. But, after a delay, the goal was annulled following a VAR review by the referee. It took until the 73rd minute before the Parisians clinched the title. Cavani was brought down and the man himself converted decisively. As often happens, the Uruguayan had missed his share of chances but still ended up on the scoresheet.
The Heroes, Despite Losing
Les Herbiers had represented the Vendee region superbly and the large contingent from that area had often outshouted the locals. In the final minute, a break by substitute Couturier nearly produced a consolation goal. Unfortunately, he was not able to keep his feet when going round Kevin Trapp in the PSG net. It would have been a memorable ending but their fans no doubt enjoyed their time in the capital. For PSG it was a record 12th Cup win. For Les Herbiers it would be back to reality and relegation to the fourth tier.
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