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Curtain-raiser Monaco tops Nantes penalties for Champions Trophy
SOCHAUX, France (Reuters) -- Monaco beat Nantes 6-5 in a penalty shootout after the teams drew 0-0 in Saturday's Champions Trophy, the traditional curtain-raiser to the French soccer season. French league champion Monaco sealed its win after French Cup holder Nantes had twice missed penalties that would have given it victory. Monaco goalkeeper Stephane Porato, an offseason signing from Marseille, clinched the win when he stopped a spot kick from defender Sylvain Armand. Nantes, which was the trophy holder after a 1-0 win over Bordeaux last year, was left to rue several missed opportunities after dominating for long periods of normal time. Defender Nicolas Laspalles hit the bar in the 30th minute with Porato beaten and Olivier Monterubbio headed against the woodwork again in the 71st minute after being left unmarked in the penalty area. Monaco sparkled in spurts with Italian Marco Simone its most dangerous attacker. Record signing Shabani Nonda missed the game with a knee strain. The new French league season kicks off on Friday with Marseille facing Troyes and Paris St Germain hosting Strasbourg. Monaco begins its title defense away to Lille next Saturday.
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
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