Mike Maignan answers critics with penalty save in France’s 4-1 win over Norway | OneFootball

Mike Maignan saved a penalty and made another key stop as France beat Norway 4-1, answering doubts after Senegal. According to L'Équipe, vice-captain Aurélien Tchouaméni quickly saluted him at the Gillette Stadium as the stands emptied, a nod to his confidence.

Early in the second half, at 50 minutes, Maignan kept out Jörgen Strand Larsen's penalty. 22 minutes later he denied Oscar Bobb. It was France's first World Cup penalty save by a keeper since Joël Bats in 1986.

It was not flawless, he guessed early on Norway's goal and his kicking raised questions, but the overall return was strong.

He arrived at Clairefontaine in questionable shape amid a long-running debate over his ideal weight, then struggled against Senegal, 3-1 on 16 June. After an ordinary 2026 at club level, early doubts over his ability to carry the number one burden surfaced. This felt like an initial reply.

Assistant coach Guy Stéphan said the penalty could have made it 3-2 and changed the game, and that, though criticised a little, Maignan was not affected and would keep going. He said he had spoken with him and was sure of that.

The staff were not worried after Senegal, nor were his defenders. Backed by Brice Samba and Robin Risser in a tight goalkeepers' group, he has shown clear leadership in the United States, even stepping in to rein in a youngster this week. Whether this launches his tournament should be clearer in four days.

Source: L'Équipe