Welcome to the professional world… Just before kick-off, the Nice kop announced the color by unfurling a banner: “It's not Versailles, here!
The supporters of Petit Poucet Ile-de-France understood this well.
The evening would not be easy but they were ready to push to help Versailles triumph over Nice, ogre of Ligue 1, this Tuesday evening in the semi-finals of the Coupe de France.
Moreover, like their players on the pitch, they bravely tried their luck as soon as they arrived in front of the Allianz Riviera when they got off the tram.
“Oh la la, oh lé lé, and what will happen, we come to support them, oh la la, oh lé lé…” The King’s kop had landed loudly on the Promenade des Anglais on Tuesday evening and the people of Nice would find out the hard way.
Failing to have been able to play in Île-de-France, this clash between David and Goliath had forced them to adopt the D system and for some to break the piggy bank.
“I told the children that if Versailles went to the semi-finals, I offered them the match, whatever it was, because it fell during the school holidays, confides Mourad, dad of Abdellah, 10 years old, and d 'Aymen, 7 years old, licensed at FCV 78. We came by plane.
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Farewell Stade de France
Installed in the corner opposite the popular stand of the Ultras Sud Nice, the father and his sons gave voice.
Surrounded by a merry band brought together by the association of FC Versailles chaired by Anthony Perrat.
Most had already traveled to Toulouse (L2) then to Périgueux (Dordogne) against Bergerac (1-1, 6-5 on tab).
But it was the gates of the Stade de France that had to be broken down this time.
At halftime, the feat was still in the minds.
Inza Diarrassouba's breakthrough concluded with a shot off target from Diego Michel even gave hope to the supporters in the 39th minute.
French Cup: Versailles supporters in Nice
Toni, born in Versailles 44 years ago and living in Nice since 1994, was still holding his breath.
Entering the stands wearing a wig and dressed like King Louis XIV, the former partner of Jérôme Rothen at FC Versailles was delighted in advance "to be already in the final whatever happens..." Quite the opposite of his friend Stephen, OGC Nice subscriber, and finally released on the opener of Amine Gouiri (1-0, 48th).
A goal that showered the hopes of Versailles, especially since this devil of Gouiri offered a caviar to the Dane Dolberg (2-0, 73rd).
A resident of Val-d'Oise, Bruno had however promised himself, the same morning while passing in front of the Stade de France by RER, to return there on May 8 for the final.
A final without drums nor trumpet…
In the presidential gallery, it was also a cold shower.
The mayor (DVD) of Versailles François de Mazières and his deputy in charge of sports, Nicolas Fouquet, could only dream during the first period.
The second had however hoped to set fire to the stadium as in the previous round in Périgueux against Bergerac.
But the person concerned was deprived of his trumpet as chief ambiancer, VIP regulations oblige… But he can console himself.
Father Amar, parish priest of Montbauron converted to football on the occasion of the epic of his parishioners, was able to play his bugle all evening in front of his TV.
Without the miracle taking place either...