Does this man look like a goal-scorer to you?

Due to the rabid following of FC Nantes on our site, I am sure that you are all well aware of what transpired in their match this weekend. No? Why do you people hate the French? Actually, don’t answer that.

FC Nantes are known for being one of the all-time powerhouses of Le Championnat. The club on the Loire river (notably at the exact center of the Earth’s land hemisphere) has captured 8 Ligue 1 titles, with the last coming in 2001. They have also won the Coupe de France 3 times (1979, 1999, 2000) and the Trophee des Champions twice (1999, 2001).

Holding the record for consecutive seasons of top-flight football, their recent history has seen them yo-yo between Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 over the past 4 seasons. Having been relegated last season, Nantes are off to a fine start in Ligue 2, sitting at the top of the table with 17 points after a 2-1 victory over Nimes this weekend. After the jump, one of the goals from that match.

Remi Mareval is a 26 year-old defender for FC Nantes, and he is not exactly prolific in front of goal. However, this past weekend he saw his opportunity against Nimes and he took it. Despite the fact that his shot (if indeed it was a shot) came up well short, he saw his effort hit the back of the net anyway. Just 9 seconds into the match.

[H/T to Off The Post for the original story]

Um, yeah. That’s not good goal-keeping right there. Since the match had just started the cameras hadn’t even zoomed in on the match action. Luckily, we have video from this fan’s phone (which hopefully stays up for more than 2.2 seconds). Regardless of his intentions or the ferocity of the “strike”, I’m sure that Mareval will take full credit. After all, the defender only has 2 goals in nearly 70 appearances with Nantes. You might remember his first goal, however, as it was an absolutely blistering strike against Marseille in their Ligue 1 match last year.

Hmm, maybe it was a shot yesterday after all.