France's Maignan Makes First World Cup Penalty Save Since 1986 vs Norway
In a 2026 World Cup group stage match, France defeated Norway 4-1, advancing as group leaders. French goalkeeper Mike Maignan saved a penalty from Norway's Jörgen Strand Larsen early in the second half, becoming the first French keeper to save a World Cup penalty since Joël Bats in 1986. The save stabilized France after a foul by Théo Hernandez, boosting Maignan's confidence amid prior criticism. Maignan attributed his success to rigorous training and video analysis.
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Maignan Responds to Critics with Strong Performance Against Norway
French goalkeeper Mike Maignan, under scrutiny after a poor showing against Senegal and questions about his fitness, delivered a solid performance in a 4-1 friendly win over Norway ahead of the 2026 World Cup. While his decision-making on Norway's goal and with his feet drew some criticism, Maignan excelled in penalty situations, saving a spot-kick from Jörgen Strand Larsen in the 50th minute—the first such save by a French goalkeeper at a World Cup since 1986. He later denied Oscar Bobb in the 72nd minute. Assistant coach Guy Stéphan praised Maignan's mental resilience, noting criticism did not affect him. The article highlights Maignan's leadership in the squad and suggests the match could be a turning point for his tournament.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuMaignan's Penalty Save Bolsters Confidence Amid Ongoing Physical Condition Concerns
French goalkeeper Mike Maignan, facing persistent doubts about his physical condition and coming off a poor performance against Senegal, delivered a crucial performance in France's big win over Norway. He saved a penalty from Norway's Larsen, marking the first penalty save by a French goalkeeper at the World Cup since Joël Bats in 1986, and later made another key save against Oscar Bobb. Despite mixed reviews on his positioning and distribution, his overall solid performance and leadership were praised. French assistant coach Guy Stéphan noted Maignan's resilience to criticism. The article questions whether this match can be a turning point for the AC Milan goalkeeper in the tournament.
虎扑 - 足球Maignan: My Penalty Save Stabilized the Team; Good Penalty Saving Comes from Hard Training
In the third round of the World Cup group stage, France defeated Norway 4-1 to advance as group leaders. French goalkeeper Mike Maignan spoke to the media after the match, highlighting a pivotal penalty save that prevented Norway from narrowing the score to 2-3. Maignan emphasized that the save boosted team confidence and allowed France to score a fourth goal. He attributed his penalty-saving ability to rigorous training, including studying opponents' habits and analyzing videos with the goalkeeper coach, while acknowledging an element of luck. Maignan expressed slight regret over not keeping a clean sheet due to a momentary lapse but stressed that winning and advancing as group winners were the primary objectives. He hopes his performance sends a signal to teammates and opponents about his commitment to defending the goal.
虎扑 - 足球Mike Maignan saves penalty for France, first World Cup penalty save since 1986
France goalkeeper Mike Maignan saved a penalty from Jörgen Strand Larsen early in the second half of a World Cup Group I match against Norway on Friday. The save, though the attempt was soft and at mid-height, required diving in the correct direction, and Maignan succeeded. This made him the first French goalkeeper to save a penalty in a World Cup since Joël Bats stopped Zico's attempt in the 1986 quarterfinal shootout against Brazil. Maignan's performance responded to earlier criticism about his play against Senegal. The save also compensated for a mistake by his former AC Milan teammate Theo Hernandez.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuMaignan Saves Larsen's Penalty, First Goalkeeper to Save a Penalty at 2026 World Cup
In the final round of the 2026 World Cup group stage, Norway faced France. In the second half, French defender Theo conceded a penalty. Norway's Larsen took the spot kick, but it was saved by French goalkeeper Mike Maignan. According to statistics, Maignan became the first goalkeeper to save a penalty at the 2026 World Cup. The match generated reactions on social media, with fans praising the save or criticizing the penalty taker. The article was published by Hupu Soccer, citing source X.
虎扑 - 足球2026 World Cup, France: Maignan's Penalty Save Against Norway
In a 2026 FIFA World Cup match between Norway and France, French goalkeeper Mike Maignan made a crucial penalty save early in the second half. The penalty was conceded after a foul by Théo Hernandez on Norwegian player Bobb. With star striker Erling Haaland absent, Norwegian player Strand Larsen stepped up to take the spot kick, shooting to Maignan's left. The French goalkeeper fully extended to deflect the attempt, preserving France's 3-1 lead. The save, broadcast live on M6, boosted Maignan's confidence after what the article describes as a mediocre start to the World Cup for the goalkeeper. The match coverage includes a social media post from broadcaster M6 highlighting the decisive moment. The article was published by Foot Mercato on June 26, 2026, and updated shortly after, providing real-time coverage of the event.
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