United World 2022/23

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Luckily we have an option to buy Baeten. He is looking very promising to say the least. Could well emerge as one of the upcoming top Belgian strikers, being only 20 and already leading the line with class. He becomes better by the week. We have 3 weak positions for the moment: goalkeeper, right center back with Meisl and Frans lacking any kind of pace and central midfield where now we play central defender Vandenbergh. If they can improve those 3 positions in the January window we could come very close to an immediate return.
 

The Coach of Chateauroux is getting on my tits a bit.

Win under challenging circumstances in the last game but still missing a few players.

So what to do? Reward the team that won through? "Go again, lads". Nah, change both personnel and system and subsequently lose.

Even their rather sparsely populated message board was none too happy. That's the thing with the Championat National. It's so tight this year, you can err between triumph and disaster on a weekly basis! I think Roygbiv can rest easy tonight but here are some of the comments. I can’t guarantee this will be a regular feature as there message board is quite sparsely populated but as we know a defeat brings more out than a victory!:

"If the Berri had wanted to give itself the means of its ambitions, it should have solved the problem of its coach, defeated regularly against stronger tactically than him"
"His stubbornness and therefore his lack of tactical finesse lead to wanting at all costs to play an ultra defensive game that only works for a while."
"This has been our big problem for a very long time (since V.Zwunka?) our inability to recruit a good coach and good players. "Tonight we saw all the limits of the tactics put in place by Chabert. Playing the compact low block with 8 defensive players shows all the ambition of the coach maintained since his arrival at the club."
"Chabert is a redneck."

Welcome to Chateauroux, the Kevin Blackwell years, as prickly, balding ex-goalkeeper negatively sucks the life out of a team, destined to fall short.

Once Darren Smith on Twitter had mentioned that all three United World teams could top their respective leagues, the dye was cast!

Drama to one side, Chateauroux had just come off the back of a very good win against US Dunkerque, they played with a young, imposing guy, Ahoussou at centre back, twinned with another left sided player Basque who has been playing in central midfield but has experience higher up playing also at centre back. Both Ouaneh and Sangante were back after suspension and so was Youssouf.

As opposed to making a decision he opted to accomodate the experienced players by dropping the 4-3-3 for which they had recruited all summer to a 5-3-2.

What that meant was Mbenge moving from LB to LWB, Youssouf coming in as RWB replacing Fouda, who has been pretty weak at RB of late. He then squeezed in both Sangante and Ouaneh alongside Basque and at the expense of Ahoussou, who actually scored the winner the last week.

Shorn of the creator of that goal, Sunu, who got injured, he opted for (all sigh) a flat midfield three comprising Viltard, promising young number 6, Mexique, another relatively defensive midfielder and Daham, a central midfielder for whom I'm still struggling to see what he actually brings.

Up front Nolan Roux and Bianchini with Ntolla, who had been set up as the main creator in the 4-3-3 dropped to the bench to sit alongside Germouche, Ndour, Ahoussou, Fouda and Ntolla.

The first half had few chances and was relatively even. A few regulation saves but definitely lacking penetration from the Châteauroux side and it’s in games like these they miss a natural poacher. Roux at his age does a job but he’s no longer a natural poacher and the departure of Robinet, who you may recall stopped going to training in order to force a move, really is missed in these sort of games. It also coincided with both Sunu, the scorer from 2 games ago and Grange both being unavailable.

To the second half and some poor defending on the right hand side saw the ball dragged back only for the Concarneau midfielder, Traore, to slot home.

There then came a miss of epic proportions from Daham. A ball from Mbengue from the left was headed across goal and all he had to do was deflect into the left half of the goal and he headed back across and straight at the keeper. Easier to score than miss.

They paid the ultimate price as Mannai’s shot somehow was not properly diverted by the keeper and it squeezed into the net in another break.

So disappointment for Châteauroux especially as the Coach opted to change a winning team.

The next game is the return of Robinet as they host favourites Nancy in a game
They could do with not losing. They are 3 points off top, joint 5th, equal 9th, and with Dunkerque and Concarneau leading the way.

Some relief however as they now enter the Coupe de France. They play a little known team called AS Chouzy-Onzain in what is the first round for teams from National. Hopefully it will prove a confidence booster before Nancy next week.

See 2:08 for the sitter:

 
Might be nothing but I see the Prince has uploaded a photo of him with a Turkish billionaire Ali Koc. 👀

​

 
Mixed fortunes in United World this week as Châteauroux play in the Coupe de France and Beerschot played away at RWDM, which I believe had some history with White Star Woluwe with which we used to have links but went bankrupt (like many Belgium teams).

Beerschot appeared to stick to the recent 4-3-3 with Seydoux, Meisl, Matthys and Weymans across the back, Nzita having been unwell and dropping to the bench. The midfield three was once more Rigo, Sanusi and Van den Bergh. Up front Thorasson, Baeten and Verlinden kept their spots, with Vaca and Sebaoui on the bench along with Alhassan, Koshi, Frans the veteran defender and Matijas the keeper, with Lathouwers still in goal.

By what you can see on line it looks like Beerschot had chances but just couldn’t take them.

Then a shot at the keeper was parried only for Plange, the former Derby player to force home. That was 1-0 halftime time in the 40th minute.

This become 2-0 on the 63rd minute when Van den Bergh lost the ball to set Biron on the path for the winner.

Both Baeten and Thorasson had chances but it wasn’t to be. The coach made multiple changes to force the issue to no avail. Nzita on for Weymans at half time in a like for like change. Vaca for Matthys with Van den Bergh dropping back on 70 and likewise Sebaoui on for Verlinden. Late on Rigo was replaced by Alhassan and Frans introduced for Seydoux in the last 10.

All in all a disappointing result which leaves Beerschot behind Anderlecht u23 (who are not allowed to be promoted), on 16 points with Beveren and Lierse up to 15 and Beerschot on 13, one point ahead of RWDM and Lommel. Next up for Beerschot is Dender who sit second bottom so a win will be the undoubted target, especially at home.

To Châteauroux this was a routine victory. 5-0 against a team who had never played against a Pro team before. Against AS Chouzy Onzain, rotation took place.

This looked more of a 4-2-3-1 rather than 4-3-3 or 5 at the back with more attacking players thrown in to do the job. Plumbing came in for a rare start in goal, Fouad returned at right back, Mbengue continued on the left and Basque and Ahoussou were reunited just as when Châteauroux last won. Grange returned from injury to partner Daham and then the forwards were Ntolla out left, Lacey forward Mandy on the right with Ndour supported by Germouche.

Game was over after 6 minutes. Goals by Grange and Ndour wrapped up the game and in the second half Daham, Fouda and Mandy completed the scoring. Ouaneh and Youssouf got 30 mins in place of Basque and Mbengue and later on Bianchini came on for Ntolla for a 20
Minute run out. They await either a division below team or regional team even further down in the next round. Next up though Nancy at home in what feels like almost ‘must win’ if Châteauroux are to be serious contenders. 3 behind top but sitting 8th along with their opponents it would be a hammer blow to either if they lost.

With Rous not playing today it may well open up for a young guy, Ndour, Germouche or Mendy to grasp the nettle. We will see on Tuesday.
 
Big match took place last night for Chateauroux.

AS Nancy, the pre-season favorites were the visitors, freshly armed with former Castelroussian, Thomas Robinet in their ranks.

Nice touch from the home side to raise awareness for Breast Cancer by donning a pink version of the home kit.

For Nancy, Robinet started, for Chateauroux they persisted with 5 at the back, not something I feel they are properly built for given their lack of options for two strikers, especially as Nolan Roux was injured. Fans would have been fearing the worst. After the cup game, Delecroix returned between the posts. He seems a steadying influence at the level. Wing backs were Youssouf and Mbengue and alongside Ouaneh, Coach Chabert still couldn't decide between Captain Sangante and Basque so picked them both.

Similarly to Phil's comments on the youths, it's difficult to say how easily players would step up because you're only seeing them against similarly skilled players. That said, they have lacked a good number 6 and Viltard, on loan from Sochaux had quickly made himself a fixture in the team. Alongside him was Mexique and Sunu, with key player Grange, a welcome return on the bench after his 3 match suspension.

Up front, and this is where I see this system falling short for now, Bianchini, a wide player and Germouche, an auxiliary forward player, usually a sub were the two forwards. Neither really has much of a goslscoring pedigree with the former having a scoring record of 3 goals in 3,000 minutes and the latter 4 in 1,300.

The first half was marked by two things; firstly Robinet hobbled off for what was a very disappointing return for him, some might say a bit of karma for downing tools to force a move! The second thing was Chateauroux' dominance and profligacy. Chances came and went for Chateauroux in a dominant first half with Bianchini missing 4 or 5 chances and Germouche also failing to capitalise. It meant a disappointing 0-0 at the interval if only result but not performance.

In the second half, as is often the case, the deadlock was broken against the run of play. After a good save by Delecroix from Cropanese, the latter was this time provider as he squared the ball to El Aynaoui, who gave Nancy an undeserved lead on 52 minutes. After another close call, Chateauroux decide to change tac. Grange replaces Sunu, Thio (aka Ntolla) comes on for Basque and the team reverts to it's habitual 4-3-3. Chateauroux makes three good openings but crosses are repelled as they look to turn the screw.

A third sub, Ndour, signed in the summer as a last minute replacement for Robinet and Decouré, enters the fray and almost immediately has an impact.

A sumptuous line splitting ball from Grange finds the new man, one step inside and he lashes the ball fiercely into the corner. Now, some fans pre game were concerned that he might be the sort of striker that needs too many chances but in a 4-3-3 he looks a better fit than Robinet; strong muscular and imposing, he seems just the type to spearhead such a system if the goals come and if others can help him out. Six minutes later he built on this early promise. A ball across the six yard box by Grange after some good interplay with Youssouf and Bianchini sees him slot home first time in the six yard box (think Chief vs Wednesday). 2-1 and the game has been turned on its head!

Eight minutes from time the game was out beyond doubt. A free kick from Grange found its way to the the far post where Mbengue was waiting to make it 3-1, a much more realistic reflection of the game.

The win takes Chateauroux to 15 points, 3 behind the leaders Concarneau and Dunkerque, joint with Versailles.

Next up in the league is a trip to Bastia-Borgo and an opportunity to push on in the league. They currently sit second from bottom and with just the one win this term, against LePuy Foot.

In the meantime however the cup run continues. Amilly, a team playing in the 6th tier awaits.

Highlights from yesterday (worth watching just to see the ridiculous amount of clear cut chances missed in the first half):

 
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Champagneblade said:
Big match took place last night for Chateauroux.

AS Nancy, the pre-season favorites were the visitors, freshly armed with former Castelroussian, Thomas Robinet in their ranks.

Nice touch from the home side to raise awareness for Breast Cancer by donning a pink version of the home kit.

For Nancy, Robinet started, for Chateauroux they persisted with 5 at the back, not something I feel they are properly built for given their lack of options for two strikers, especially as Nolan Roux was injured. Fans would have been fearing the worst. After the cup game, Delecroix returned between the posts. He seems a steadying influence at the level. Wing backs were Youssouf and Mbengue and alongside Ouaneh, Coach Chabert still couldn't decide between Captain Sangante and Basque so picked them both.

Similarly to Phil's comments on the youths, it's difficult to say how easily players would step up because you're only seeing them against similarly skilled players. That said, they have lacked a good number 6 and Viltard, on loan from Sochaux had quickly made himself a fixture in the team. Alongside him was Mexique and Sunu, with key player Grange, a welcome return on the bench after his 3 match suspension.

Up front, and this is where I see this system falling short for now, Bianchini, a wide player and Germouche, an auxiliary forward player, usually a sub were the two forwards. Neither really has much of a goslscoring pedigree with the former having a scoring record of 3 goals in 3,000 minutes and the latter 4 in 1,300.

The first half was marked by two things; firstly Robinet hobbled off for what was a very disappointing return for him, some might say a bit of karma for downing tools to force a move! The second thing was Chateauroux' dominance and profligacy. Chances came and went for Chateauroux in a dominant first half with Bianchini missing 4 or 5 chances and Germouche also failing to capitalise. It meant a disappointing 0-0 at the interval if only result but not performance.

In the second half, as is often the case, the deadlock was broken against the run of play. After a good save by Delecroix from Cropanese, the latter was this time provider as he squared the ball to El Aynaoui, who gave Nancy an undeserved lead on 52 minutes. After another close call, Chateauroux decide to change tac. Grange replaces Sunu, Thio (aka Ntolla) comes on for Basque and the team reverts to it's habitual 4-3-3. Chateauroux makes three good openings but crosses are repelled as they look to turn the screw.

A third sub, Ndour, signed in the summer as a last minute replacement for Robinet and Decouré, enters the fray and almost immediately has an impact.

A sumptuous line splitting ball from Grange finds the new man, one step inside and he lashes the ball fiercely into the corner. Now, some fans pre game were concerned that he might be the sort of striker that needs too many chances but in a 4-3-3 he looks a better fit than Robinet; strong muscular and imposing, he seems just the type to spearhead such a system if the goals come and if others can help him out. Six minutes later he built on this early promise. A ball across the six yard box by Grange after some good interplay with Youssouf and Bianchini sees him slot home first time in the six yard box (think Chief vs Wednesday). 2-1 and the game has been turned on its head!

Eight minutes from time the game was out beyond doubt. A free kick from Grange found its way to the the far post where Mbengue was waiting to make it 3-1, a much more realistic reflection of the game.

The win takes Chateauroux to 15 points, 3 behind the leaders Concarneau and Dunkerque, joint with Versailles.

Next up in the league is a trip to Bastia-Borgo and an opportunity to push on in the league. They currently sit second from bottom and with just the one win this term, against LePuy Foot.

In the meantime however the cup run continues. Amilly, a team playing in the 6th tier awaits.

Highlights from yesterday (worth watching just to see the ridiculous amount of clear cut chances missed in the first half):

Click to expand...

No idea why the video got binned from YouTube:

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J9 | LB CHÂTEAUROUX - AS NANCY LORRAINE (3-1)

Retrouvez le résumé de la rencontre LB CHATEAUROUX - AS NANCY LORRAINE comptant pour la neuvième journée du National (2021-2022) Buts pour LBC : Alioune Ndour (78e et 81e) et Adama Mbengue (86e) But pour ASNL : Neil El Aynaoui (52e)
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Are any of our youth players on loan at these clubs? Or on loan from our other teams? Eg France to Belgium?

If not it does seem abit of a waste of time.
 
Kev Gee said:
Are any of our youth players on loan at these clubs? Or on loan from our other teams? Eg France to Belgium?

If not it does seem abit of a waste of time.
Click to expand...
None at present which is disappointing.

I do think there must be some greater opportunity there.

Take for instance Nikison Gomis. He has done his time in the youth team and U23s.

He’s ready to play Big boy football.

You would think being French, a loan to Châteauroux where they don’t have a particularly well rated back up left back, he could be closer to making the match day group. Not as if he would need a visa either. Not fully sure on his passport details but there are plenty of Tunisian’s in France given the language and cultural ties of the two. So could young Ayari not have been a potential option?

Other advantages of the arrangement will be leas visual. For example pooled scouting and player data resources.

If we are to get the best out of it then the clubs need to buy into it and look to get the best out of players who may be out of favour at one club but of use at another.
 
Keeping it brief this week as the viewing options were quite limited.

On the Chateauroux side they were in Coupe de France action and the early rounds seem relatively routine.

They played against Amilly, another regional team. I understand in the draw midweek more reasonable opposition will come into play.

The score was 3-1 at half time to Chateauroux, who were the away team, goals from Thio and Ouaneh early on then Ndour with a consolation for the home team. Ndour with his second, making it 5 in a week, and helping to fill the no 9 role and then Sunu making it 5-1 final score.

A small amount of rotation in a 4-3-3:
Plumain; Youssouf, Ouaneh, Ahoussou, Mbengue; Grange(N'Goma, 66), Mexique(Viltard, 61), Bianchini; Thio, Ndour, Sunu

As well as the result a further plus was the return to action of Ferris N'Goma, which adds more depth to the midfield/attack. One disappointing aspect for fans would be the lack of home youngsters blooded in these routine early games but maybe that is nitpicking.

They will hope for similar fortunes as they head to Bastia-Borgo and the island of Corsica. They sit near the bottom so Chateauroux will be looking for a result. Corsia sits north of Sardinia, is the birth place of Napoleon and is often a scene of independence calls. Well known for its climate and mountains it is a tourist spot for those wanted to get away from the Hussle and bussle of the mainland.

Over to Belgium and not the result Beerschot wanted or expected as they dropped home points to bottom club Dender at home.

Lining up in a 3-4-2-1 with Frans making his first league start with Matthys and Meisl, they saw a continuation of Ven den Bergh in midfield alongside Sanusi with Vaca slightly forward, wing backs Seydoux and Nzita, the recently successful Thórisson and Baeten up front.

A first half in the main described as boring ended 0-0. Vaca was replaced by Verlinden at half time. By 50 minutes Sanusi had given the lead after an assist from Baeten after the latter had missed a chance moments before. Seydoux was replaced by the left footed Weymans and Meisl by Rigo with, I assume Van de Bergh dropping back or going to a 4-3-3. Either way, 21 minutes after the scoring was opened, ex-Beerschot player Marzo equaliser and that finished the game at 1-1. Sebaoui entered with a handful of minutes left but could not affect the result.

This drops Beerschot to 5th, now 4 behind Beveren, the team they beat on the opening day, followed by Anderlecht U23s, Lierse and RWDA. Next up Jong Genk who sit 3rd bottom, away where a win seems crucial to stay in contention.
 
I'm not sure too many care about these threads right now with a bit of pressure on United's own form.

I'll continue to keep it coming nonetheless!

Many similarities with the United World teams. All expected to compete at the top. All in the promotion places a couple of weeks back. All having had disappointing results of late.

The parallel with Chateauroux this round was uncanny.

A couple of unfortunate injuries - check.

In an almost like for like absence Delecroix the first choice keeper was unavailable, in his case with a strain, so Plumain came in to deputise.

In defence, Youssouf, Ouaneh, Sangante and Mbengue gave a familiar look to the defence.

In midfield Viltard lined up alongside Mexique and Sunu. Grange was on the bench.

Up front a familiar three of Bianchini, Ndour and Thio (Ntolla) linked up.

The second injury parallel was that on 60-odd minutes Grange replaced Mexique only to have to be replaced himself by Daham. So one of their best performers out just as Norrington-Davies with us.

They were also visiting a bottom team in Bastia-Borgo who I believe had only own twice this season - check once more.

A terrible start saw them concede from a corner through Romany's header.

A bit more huffing and puffing let them back in. Bianchini was the beneficiary as the keeper came out to clear his lines and in doing so only managed to pick out the Castelroussian to place in an empty net on 36 minutes.

A few changes were made by the coach as they went back to 5-3-2 and removed Mexique (then Grange), Ndour and Theo and have Basque in a back three, Daham into midfield and Bianchini went up top alongside substitute Bozkurt.

As a final 'check' moment to draw parallel with United, they then lost the match in the dying embers from a direct set plat play. A free kick from Tattevin nestled in the far corner leaving them wondering how they'd contrived to lose such a winnable game. Just like us.

They now find themselves in 4th, joint with three others, three behind second who have a game in hand and six behind first. They next play 3rd placed Versailles at home.

Just like United the teams above are no great shakes in terms of resources and they would really expect to finish above them.

Next week they play Stade Poitevin in the cup away before the next crucial league game. A big university city with plenty of cathedral site seeing, that would have been a nice away game to head to, you know, if you were part of the Firme de sac en plastique...

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J10 I FC Borgo – LB Châteauroux (2-1)

Retrouvez le résumé de la rencontre FC Borgo – LB Châteauroux comptant pour la 10e journée du National (2022-2023)
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As I'm sure PurpleRain can confirm it was a better week for Beerschot this week.

A strong line up brought home the win away at the U23 team of Genk, Jong Gent.

Lathouwers remained in goal, in came Konstantopoulos to partner Van den Bergh and Matthys with Frans and Meisl amongst the subs.

Nzita and Seydoux were left and right wing back with Rigo and Sanusi in the centre.

Up front a trio of Verlinden, Baeten and Thórisson marked possibly Beerschot 's strongest line up. Probably toss a coin between Konstantopoulos, Frans and Meisl with Radic still awol but otherwise a decent 11 with the slightly inconsistent Vaca and Sebaoui among the subs.

Beerschot showed their early intent with a Baeten effort on goal in the first minute and this early aggression was rewarded in the 3rd minute. Clever play on the right by Verlinden who delivered a nice near post cross for Baeten to coolly half volley, helping the ball inside the near post to give the away side the lead. He's been a good signing and along with Thórisson they look to have two good goal threats. This is the way it was at half time.

Into the second half Beershot mist have been thinking the Gods we're not with them, a desperately blocked shot then a blocked tackle and Thórasson smacked the ball against the bar and out. Within a couple of minutes Jong Genk had broken and hit the bar themselves only for it to bounce down behind the line. Level and very much against the run of play.

Within a minute the lead was taken once more. A good break down the left with intricate interplay between Baeten and Nzita saw the latter pull the ball back from the touchline for Verlinden to hammer a volley which was well stopped by Leyson but his reaction save could only push the ball to Baeten who made no mistake.

There was still time for Sebaoui to show his quality, on as a sub for Verlinden, to put a great ball in from the right only for Thórasson to smack the upright with a header. Not done there, the hard working Thórasson wrestled with the last defender to be through on goal and Al Mayzani took a red for the team to avoid a third goal. Pity the ref didn't play on because despite the foul I still think the striker might have made it through to the ball to take on the keeper but the ref opted not to play on unfortunately.

A rare sub appearance for Quirynen on for Seydoux and Nzita being replaced by Koshi at the very end allowed fresh legs in what was a positive outing Beerschot.

The victory has them in 4th on 17 points from 10 games. Top are Lierse on 19 and then Waasland-Beveren and RWDM both on 18 so very much in the mix.

Next up RSCA Futures from Anderlecht in a 4th vs 5th encounter as 1st also plays 3rd. Game on!



I did also spot this bit of rival trolling...
 

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Disappointing weekend for Beerschot this weekend. They lined up against the Anderlecht youngsters and lost out 2-1 at home.

The Beerschot goal was a consolation after having gone behind to an El Hadj opener on 22 minutes and then a second from Stassin on 71 minutes made it an uphill task. Sanusi scored his second in recent weeks on 89 to make it too little too late.

What would have been disappointing from Beerschot’s point of view would have been that this was on the whole their best XI. Lathouwers started in goal, Seydoux and Nzita at wing back, Matthys flanked by Van den Bergh and Konstantopoulous, the latter possibly being the only one whose place may be contested with Meisl and Frans both having shouts and Radic off on the wilderness.

The midfield pairing of Sanusi and Rigo reliable at this level and the forwards Verlinden, Baeten and Thorosson al doing well in recent weeks. On 62 Verlinden was replaced by Sebouai and Alhassan replaced Nzita, perhaps pushing Van Den Bergh or Matthys to the left to accommodate another midfield presence. With 9 minutes of regular time left Vaca came on for Seydoux in another attacking change. With 12 shots and 6 on target to 8 and 4 and with 54% possession, perhaps a game Beerschot will tie, not being at their best.

Pivotal period now as Beerschot next visit 7th placed Lommel. Beerschot sit in 5th on 17 from 11. Up top you have Waasland-Beveren and RWDM on 21 points, Lierse and RCSA Futures who they just played nestled behind both in 19. Not the time to allow teams to run away from you.



Over in Châteauroux it was another weekend of the Coupe de France which seems to go on endlessly with so many early rounds. This was the 7th round now and plenty of regional teams still left in though the Ligue 2 teams are in, and in the case of one or two, also out, St Etienne, Stade Laval and Quevilly-Rouen for instance came unstuck, as did National pre-season favourites Nancy. Not so Châteauroux who won 1-0 away at Poitiers from a corner early on, headed in by Centre Back Ouaneh who had also scored in earlier rounds.

It was useful in that a couple of players served their suspensions out in this one. It looked to me like they went 5-3-2 with Plumain in goal deputising for the injured Delecroix. A back 5 of Youssouf and Mbengue out wide and Ouaneh, Fofana and Basque in a back three. That left a midfield of Daham, Sunu and the returning N’Goma having been injured for some time. Viltard, the promising number 6 and Mexique both sat out through suspension and Grange through injury. A less than impressive forward duo of Germouche and Bianchini set up as the front two, the latter far more suited out wide. Changes made were a dour, largely rested after recent scoring exploits, on for Germouche on 70, Ahoussou on for Daham with Mexique moving into midfield on 80 and with around 5 minutes remaining Fouda came on for N’Goma to keep the scoreline as it was.

Not inspiring but got the job done. They at Lège Cap Ferret in round 8 on November 20th. Next up in the league they face newly promoted Versailles in a 3rd vs 4th encounter.

Not much more to say on the opponents in terms of their location in France apart from Versailles is home to the wonderful Château. If you ever get a chance to go there the gardens and Palace are well worth a look.

en.m.wikipedia.org

Palace of Versailles - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org en.m.wikipedia.org
 
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The club organized a fan meeting yesterday where we learned:

  • vision of the owner is to sell the club with a profit. Vague interest of US investors
  • new stadium plans abandoned
  • new training and youth center placed on hold until mid 2023 and must be down sized due to budget restrictions
  • ambition this season is top 6, no real push for promotion

Hurray hurray
 
Do united world own all the club or just a percentage ?
 
I do wonder whether the Prince regrets obtaining Beerschot. Ideally you want to come in as a new owner, everyone love you and take the club to new heights. Given Beerschot have in the past won things in Belgium, the fan base is far more demanding that the position they were in when the Prince arrived. There have been some awkward situations let's say with a minority of fans which makes you wonder if he would just like to back out of this one. At Chateauroux, there is some criticism of the local representatives but not much towards United World, they have already completed a training complex there for instance. It's more a question of the local reps being seen to let down United World with some of their decision making.

I actually think Beerschot might do better than their stated aspirations. The front three is productive in Baeten, Thórisson and Verlinden and Sebaoui and Vaca are decent rotational options. Sanusi and Rigo are not a bad pairing if not the most creative in midfield. The wide first choice full backs seem ok and the centre backs of Van den Bergh and Matthys seem to have a decent understanding. Konstantopoulos needs games and he is in competition with Meisl and Frans for one spot. The keeper seems a bit rash, though they did get another one. My fear would be injuries to the midfield and defence where there is a lack of quality depth I'd say. For now they can be competitive without being outstanding. Shame what happened with Radic as he would have been a difference maker in that third defensive berth.

To the actual footy, Beerschot have played twice since my last update.

In the league they faced off against Lommel and then in the Belgium Cup this midweek against Cercle Brugge.

Lommel first off was a happy hunting ground. Verlinden opening the scoring in the first minute assisted by Sanusi, only for Lommel to level terms on the 4th through Kadiri. This was the score at half time until Verlinden notched once more with Thórisson as provider and finally Thórisson putting the icing on the cake as Verlinden returned the favour. Full time, 3-1 to the away side. Up to 5th, 4 off the joint top two of RWDM and Waasland-Beveren.

Line up was a now familiar:
Lathouwers
Konstantopoulos Matthys Van den Bergh
Seydoux Rigo Sanusi Nzita
Thórisson Baeten Verlinden
Subs: Meisl (Konstantopoulos 88), Vaca (Verlinden 89), Koshi (Thórisson 90+3), Sebaoui (Baeten 90+3)



On the league they play Virton today. They have won only once all season so a chance for Beerschot to get back into contention.

They did have a mid-week game against Cercle Brugge and lost 3-1 away. Verlinden scored once more to bring them in level at half time (either a mazy dribble or a series of miscontrols!) With a pass from Seydoux and then two concessions and the game was up. See here for some not so convincing goalkeeping:



Team was an more of a 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 diamond with Sanusi deeper and Vaca further forward:

Lathouwers
Seydoux Meisl Matthys Van den Bergh
Rigo Sanusi Vaca Koshi
Baeten Verlinden
Subs: Sebaoui (Koshi 57), Querynen (Baeten 57), Thórisson (Verlinden 57), Petkevicius (Vaca 70), Alhassan (Rigo 77)

So out of the cup but with Virton then Club NXT, a chance to make progress in the league.
 
Having recently turned into their fan site there are also frustrations at Chateauroux both with the Coach and also a lack of anticipation from the local representatives of both Decouré and Robinet leaving.

It's not helping that the coach ex Goalkeeper Chabert is serving up some pretty uninspiring stuff. All feels. Abit Blackwell to me.

They had a great win vs Nancy with Ndour scoring twice and him being on a scoring run on the cup too but for some reason he stopped picking him, at the same time as veteran Nolan Roux was also injured.

This season 6 teams go down as they look to restructure to a Ligue 1, 2 and 3 of 18 teams. Two go up. Concarneau are cracking on with 25 points from 12 matches. The rest falter. Chateauroux have 16 points yet find themselves in 9th. They are 3 off second but also only 2 off 13th, the last relegation spot. Everyone is inconsistent.

They lost to Versailles 1-0. A familiar picture of dominating the match but failing to score, losing 1-0 to some poor marking on a centre into the box. Versailles then lost to last place Stade Briochon at home!

The coach seems to be clueless to get goals out of the team. A possible knock on to the players leaving (they pushed to leave. Not PA flogging them off!). But also inexplicable team selections.

Versailles they lined up as follows in a 5-3-2, which simply doesn't work as they don't have a proper pairing up front:

Delecroix
Ouaneh Sangante Basque
Youssouf Mexique Viltard Sunu Mbengue
Germouche Bianchini

Bianchini came in as a wide forward and seemed suited to 4-3-3. But as a centre forward he couldn't hit a barn door if he was stood inside it. Germouche also has the striking potency of a Daddy Long legs so it was no surprise when this failed to create a goal. The coach also seems tl make many like for like subs which don't have much impact. This time N'Goma for Mexique and Ndour for Germouche did little to change their fortunes. Only with 10 left did he take the no 6 off Viltard and bring on Ntolla, a winger, so some semblance of 4-3-3 but too late.



Last night they went to Cholet, a place in Western France but not coastal. It has a couple of Churches there and a park on the site of a former Castle. Anyhow. Cholet are excellent at home and dreadful away so going to their ground seemed a challenge - won 4, drawn 3, lost none there. So 0-0 might not be the worst but in the grand scheme of things a win would have been most welcome, though Cholet hit the post on 85.

Some suggested it was 4-1-4-1 or 4-4-2 this time but it looked to me like some variation on 4-3-3:
Delecroix
Fouda Ouaneh Basque Youssouf
N'Goma Viltard Mexique
Bianchini Ndour Ntolla

Roux and Mendy came on for Ndour and Ntolla Ina typically uninspired like for like change, rather than trying two strikers to push for the win. With 7 minutes left Chabert brought on the left back Mbengue and took off N'Goma, a midfield player. A negative move but then he had 3 defenders on the bench so only had limited options with just Fofana and Ahoussou to call on.

Next up Coupe de France away followed by Le Mains and Stade Briochin both at home so a crucial period for the coach.

I'll leave you with one of the Twitter comments regarding the manager. In the words of YorkBlade "Big fan":

"Get out, nobody wants you anymore. You killed our team, destroyed everything Simone had built. It's your fault, we won't go up again. The team is awful, unhappy, inefficient. Get out of here, you incompetent moron, you big sucker."
 
Beerschot rounded off the United World weekend against last placed Virton.

A strong showing saw them come home 3-0. 23 shots and 11 on target vs 8 with 5 on target and 67% possession showed a dominant display. First goal was an excellent strike, reminded me a little of Norwood vs Brentford away, maybe with a bit of Lee Evans vs Boro in there from Dante Rigo. He's a player that does hit a good shot from distance.

The second was a concise finish through a crowd of players from Thórisson and then the final goal, well you decide. Thórisson absolutely hammers the bar and for me it looks deceptively like it's behind the line. It spins out and then Baeten hits it in off the keeper.

Goals here:



Line up was now the settled XI:
Lathouwers
Konstantopoulos Matthys Van den Bergh
Seydoux Rigo Sanusi Nzita
Verlinden Baeten Thórisson

Subs - Querynen(Seydoux 83), Meisl(Konstantopoulos 89), Alhassan(Sanusi 89), Vaca(Verlinden 89), Sebaoui(Thórisson 77), Weymans, Matijas(GK)

Result moves them up to 3rd, 4 behind joint leaders Waasland-Beveren and RWDM. Next up Club NXT whilst the top two play each other, so potential opportunity to close the gap to the promotion sports to just a point.

After home and away the league will split into two where top 6 play once more home and away. Another 9 games until then.

So despite the disappointing local meeting that PurpleRain mentioned, Beershot still remain in the hunt and perhaps they can exceed expectations.

For those craving an alternative, the National is live on the French Football Federation website:

NATIONAL

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ffftv.fff.fr

Highlights from the 0-0 vs Cholet can be found there. Link should work below though:

Fédération Française de Football

fff
ffftv.fff.fr
 
PurpleRain said:
The club organized a fan meeting yesterday where we learned:

  • vision of the owner is to sell the club with a profit. Vague interest of US investors
  • new stadium plans abandoned
  • new training and youth center placed on hold until mid 2023 and must be down sized due to budget restrictions
  • ambition this season is top 6, no real push for promotion

Hurray hurray
Click to expand...

bertieblade said:
Thank you. Subsequently united world want out, which will hopefully enable them to concentrate their efforts on SUFC, good for us but unfortunately bad for you.
Click to expand...

I don't think it does mean that for SUFC. We know the Prince wants out with us too, hence the attempted sale in the Summer.

As with Beerschot, the Prince is reluctant to invest in our infrastructure.
If we don't go up, it's a total rebuild for us with almost all of our squad going into the final years of their deals we will have to sell. I don't think he will want to stick around for that project.

If we do go up, I don't think he'd make as much cash available to the manger as he did last time. I think it would be more "think Norwich" given our lack of success in the transfer market last time.
 
Very interesting weekend in United World with both teams recording victories.

With 1st v 2nd ending in a draw, a win for Beerschot allowed them to close the gap from the top two to just two points now, as they sit in third spot.

A statistically dominant display against Club NXT 24 shots to 8, with 9 and 2 on target respectively but just the one goal was enough to give Beerschot a 1-0 win with the only goal of the game coming from left footed centre back Matthys mid-way through the first half with a lovely strike from outside the area.



The starting XI was unchanged, nailing down some real continuity with the only changes being enforced due to Sebaoui and Vaca having been called up for International duty, Morocco U23s and the Bolivian National team.

The goal came in the first half and despite being unable to add to the score, a welcome result against NXT as they look forward to welcoming The young Anderlecht team.

Team and changes as below:
Lathouwers, Konstantopoulos, Matthys, Van den Bergh; Seydoux, Rigo(Alhassan,94), Sanusi, Nzita(Waymans,45); Verlinden(Koshi,91), Baeten, Thórisson
Unused - Matijas, Querynan, Meisl, La Morte

The buzz of this last round of games came from Châteauroux in the Coupe de France, Goals from Bianchini (10'), Ndour (33') offset by a consolation by Albert (40') gave them a 2-1 half time lead which the away side were able to extend to 4-1 against a plucky Lège-Cap-Ferret through N'Goma (72') and reserve striker Bozkurt (90').

Team was a more offensive looking 4-3-3, almost 4-2-1-3 as follows:
Delecroix; Youssouf, Ouaneh, Basque, Mbengue; Viltard, Mexique, N'Goma; Ntolla(Mendy,82'), Ndour(Bozkurt,72'), Bianchini
Unused - Plumain, Fofana, Ahoussou, Sans, Fouda

There seems no coverage of the cup games, at least not on playback.

The interesting bit was the cup draw. This took place on Monday and Chateauroux were given a home tie against non other than PSG!

This will take place in January but in terms of romance of the cup, you couldn't get much more. Whether PSG will rest Messi, Neymar and Mbappe remains to be seen but certainly it creates a buzz for them and for the town. In all likelihood the Cup run ends but a boost nonetheless for Chateauroux.

They next play Le Mans next Monday followed by three other games before a winter break, resuming with the behemoth of a cup tie on January 8th.
 

Keeping you religiously up to speed with the movements of United World in this WC break.

Beerschot are doing quite well. Ever since the club told the fans there wasn’t going to be too much aspiration the team has never looked back.

The cost of relegation was absorbed by the owners, both local and in Saudi and this was announced around 10m Euros between them, probably part of the reason they have to keep the belts right. With no player sales of any note and quite a few walking with no fee it’s meant little to offset though I’d imagine the wage bill must be far lower now. Though I’ve seen Radic now appearing on the Transfermarkt free agent list but without any accompanying press release. Remains to be seen if that is ahead of some announcement or whether Beerschot will spring into action when he finds a new club.

Still, money isn’t everything. Beerschot were looking to pick an unchanged team for about the 4th game running, and we’re only prevented by an injury to Nzita. In came Sebouai on the left. Not clear if that meant 3-4-3 or more of a 4-3-3. Probably being a mixture with Sebaoui being more
Attacking midfield than wingback. The rest was the same:
Lathouwers; Konstantopoulous, Matthys, Van den Bergh; Seydoux(Meisl,93), Rigo, Sanusi, Sebouai(Weymans,46); Verlinden(Alhassan,88), Baeten, Thorisson(Vaca,85).

The game didn’t start well with Beerschot going behind in the 12th minute against the young Anderlecht charges. Parity was however restored as Sanusi scored from Seydoux’s pass. This is how it was at half time with Weymans coming on for Sebouai at the break.

On 57 minutes the comeback was complete. Another pass by Seydoux from the right and Thorisson stroked home what proved to be the winner despite the hosts outshooting Beerschot by 18 to 11, there were no further goals.

That put Beerschot top on 29 points from 15 games having won 4 on the spin. What’s more Waasland-Beveren lost 3-2 to Lommel to keep them in 2nd the next day with RWDM having lost 2-0 to Jong Genk.

I’m sure there will be questions asked now about the window but a good haul for Beerschot. Dender, SL16 and Deinze before a winter break from 19th December to 22nd January gives a chance of more points. A settled team and some good momentum. That will take them to 18 games. After 22 the league splits in two and they will play the rest of the top 6 twice to decide who goes up.

Châteauroux play tonight against Le Mans in a must win really. They have slipped to 10th on 16 points, but everyone else has played, so a victory will put them 7th, only 3 behind 2nd who have 22 points whilst top has 26. After that they play the bottom placed team so they have to be looking at 6/6. They then play 11th and 9th and break on the 18th of December only back playing on the 8th against PSG. Hopefully for them a chance to get minutes against PSG will motivate them.
 
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