Coach Deschamps praised his students for being 'mindful and capable'
France nearly equalized in the 89th minute if Maignan hadn't ecstatically blocked Nathan Collins's dangerous header. The ball went into the high corner, but the Milan goalkeeper flew his finger to block it. In the situation immediately before, Maignan also flew to save, after the ball touched Jules Kounde and bounced back into the goal.
"Maignan has qualities, a heart and a vision," coach Deschamps praised the 27-year-old student. "He's a leader. He saved a penalty against the Netherlands. Today, his save was as valuable as a goal."
Coach Deschamps said he did not doubt the possibility of Maignan succeeding Hugo Lloris, who retired from the French team after the 2022 World Cup. Maignan made a big contribution to helping Milan win Serie A last season, but missed most of the first leg this season because injury. After his return, the mature player from PSG has captured 11 matches in Serie A.
"Maignan's save was spectacular," Ireland coach Stephen Kenny said after the game. "It was one of the most amazing situations I've ever seen. France has a top goalkeeper."
Maignan once missed the 2022 World Cup with a calf injury just six weeks before the tournament kicked off. Injury and stability of senior Lloris made Maignan only play seven matches for France. The opportunity now came to Maignan when another experienced French goalkeeper, Steve Mandanda, also recently retired from the national team.
"Inheritance is very important for the team," added Deschamps. The 54-year-old has been targeting Maignan instead of Lloris for the past year, although he has another quality option in Alphonse Areola. He also made another bold decision in this gathering when he let Kylian Mbappe wear the captain's armband, instead of Antoine Griezmann.
Thanks to Maignan's brilliant performance, and defender Benjamin Pavard's masterpiece, France maintained its position at the top of Group B in the Euro qualifiers with two wins. They will meet Gibratar and Greece in June 2023.
