How Mike Maignan unsettles penalty takers, France’s potential edge in knockouts | OneFootball

Mike Maignan has emerged as France’s penalty specialist at this World Cup, his presence from 12 yards offering a potential edge if knockout ties go to a shootout.

According to L'Équipe, he denied Jörgen Strand Larsen in the 4-1 win over Norway last Friday. In New York or Philadelphia this Tuesday or on Saturday, the 30-year-old with 43 caps would stand between France and elimination if spot-kicks are required.

For France he has been particularly effective, with four conceded, three saved and one off target. Those habits were honed at INF and at PSG’s Camp des Loges two decades ago, where coach Alfred Dossou-Yovo recalls him excelling against older takers.

Dossou-Yovo describes a craft built on mindset and physique. Maignan relishes the face-off and projects dominance, then waits until the last instant to spring, using explosive legs to cover low corners.

Former PSG coach Nicolas Dehon outlines a precise routine. Maignan stands close as the ball is placed to start the psychological duel, offers no tells in the run-up, lifts his arms to look bigger, dives low with one hand high and leaves a trailing foot to maximise his odds.

That reputation already plants doubt in takers and was seen with João Félix in the last Euro quarter-final, when risk levels rose. For opponents, the stress can start before the run-up.

Paul-Georges Ntep, the first forward to be denied by him, cites rare energy and assurance that unsettle strikers, allied to athleticism that makes the task feel complicated. That presence could matter today, on Tuesday, on Saturday and perhaps as far as 19 July.

Source: L'Équipe