Metz vs Sochaux

Fall's eighth-minute opener set the tone, but the game was effectively over by the 18th minute when Deminguet made it 2-0. Metz's 3-0 half-time lead — their most emphatic first 45 minutes of pre-season — allowed head coach Luc Holtz to rotate freely in the second period. Sochaux, managed by Vincent Hognon, never recovered from the early onslaught.

Pape Moussa Fall — The hat-trick hero scored four goals in 47 minutes, a performance that will strengthen his claim for a starting role in Metz's competitive campaign. He was unplayable in the first half, combining sharp movement with clinical finishing.

Jessy Deminguet — Pulled the strings from midfield and weighed in with a goal. His passing range and ability to arrive late in the box caused Sochaux problems all afternoon.

Gauthier Hein — The creative hub of Metz's attack, Hein was involved in the build-up to multiple goals and consistently found space between the lines.

Mathis Clairicia — Sochaux's only bright spark, the substitute scored a late consolation with a well-taken finish.

Player of the match: Pape Moussa Fall

The match statistics were largely even (50% possession each, according to livefoot.fr), but Metz's ruthlessness in front of goal told the story. They scored four goals from their first four shots on target, while Sochaux needed 78 minutes to convert one of their own. The 3-0 half-time scoreline reflects Metz's efficiency rather than dominance — a hallmark of a side further along in their pre-season preparations.

Metz's 4-2-3-1 shape, with Fall leading the line and Hein operating behind him, overwhelmed Sochaux's 4-3-3 throughout the first hour.

For Metz, this is two pre-season friendlies without defeat (they drew 1-1 with Versailles 78 on 11 July). The emphatic scoreline provides a morale boost as they prepare for the upcoming Ligue 2 campaign. Their next friendly is against Fortuna Sittard on 25 July.

Sochaux, who beat FC Zürich 2-1 on 10 July, will look to tighten up defensively before their next pre-season fixture. The National 1 side face Guingamp next in their friendly schedule.

A one-sided friendly that told us more about Metz's sharpness than Sochaux's shortcomings. Fall's four-goal haul was the headline, but Metz's midfield — Deminguet and Hein — controlled the game start to finish. Sochaux have work to do before the competitive season begins.