Kylian Mbappe: Maignan Makes Differences

JAKARTA - France appeared to attack violently to reverse its two-goal deficit against Croatia and equalized the aggregate in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Nations League on Monday, March 24, 2025. Goalkeeper Mike Maignan who stole the show with his heroic action during a penalty shootout in a 5-4 win.

Maignan made two saves and saw one Croatian shot flying over the crossbar to maintain an impressive penalty shootout record with France. He became the only French goalkeeper to win two penalties.

"We know that with Mike, we started the penalty shootout with the advantage. He made the difference," said captain Kylian Mbappe.

Maignan was on the bench when France lost in the 2022 World Cup final to Argentina on penalties. At that time, goalkeeper Hugo Lloris was unable to make a save on penalties.

The match against Croatia has become a breath of fresh air for Maignan, who has recently struggled with AC Milan.

"The goal is big, so the first thing to do is to take as much space as possible on the line."

"Then, this is a psychological fight with the shooter, you have to understand his mind," said the AC Milan goalkeeper.

France will face Spain, who also won on penalties against the Netherlands on the same day, in the semifinals of the UEFA Nations League in Stuttgart, 5 June 2025.

The other semifinals are equally interesting considering Germany will face Portugal.