The newspaper Le Monde is probably the most important (and august) daily publication in France. It is known for the density of its prose and the nuances of opinions expressed, but the newspaper is not so stuffy as to overlook the Super Bowl.

Perhaps it was 50 years of history or the game’s status as the biggest day in sports in the United States, but Le Monde no longer ignores it — as this well-done and comprehensive guide to tomorrow’s game would demonstrate.

The text opens with a note that what follows is “non-exhaustive” and meant for neophytes.

Hints of disdain can be found.

Early in the text, it suggests that for all the game’s popularity in the U.S. it is little appreciated outside it, and England’s former soccer star Gary Lineker is paraphrased as saying: “American football is a game played by 11 against 11, and when it is over, the Americans have won.”

Which seems to suggest that only Americans play the game, which is not entirely true, particularly when kickers and punters are taken into account.

But it is largely a fair-minded and helpful guide to a game that will be televised live in France on the W9 station — available over the air to just about everyone with a television.

However, the commentary will be in French … my impression is that we will not see the commercials (half the fun, back home) … and, most significantly, the game kicks off at 12:30 a.m. in France.

Le Monde explains the rules, including the concepts of offense and defense, the length of the game and the shape of the ball (ovale). The newspaper suggests American football is a relative of rugby (particularly popular in the south of France) and notes the game began at universities in the American northeast in the 19th century.

Equipment to minimize la violence is described and the format of the league is explained.

It concludes with sections on attaque and defense and describes the roles of the various players — and, thankfully, the French have not gotten around to giving football positions French names (unlike baseball, which boasts a lanceur (pitcher) and an arret-court (shortstop), etc.

Le Monde understands the importance of the quarterback.

In part, its description of the QB reads (minus diacriticals): C’est la stratege, le leader et la emblematique l’equipe. Decedant des tactiques avec l’entraineur, il dirige le phases offensives et appelle les jeux de son equipe.

Which translates pretty much as … He is the strategist, the emblematic leader (or face) of the team. He decides his tactics, with the coach, and he directs the offense and calls the plays for his team.

So, perhaps a few French night owls will stay up till 4 a.m. and see the game. I hope to, anyway, and look forward to French speakers telling me what is going on.