Stephen Kenny's Republic of Ireland put in a marvelous performance at the Aviva Stadium against one of the best teams of the world, only to fall just short and lose 1-0 to France. Ireland deserved a draw, and nearly had it were not for a save of staggering quality by Mike Maignan on Nathan Collins.
As Ireland pressed for an equaliser, Josh Cullen put a dangerous corner into the French penalty box. Nathan Collins struck the ball beautifully with his head, and the ball seemed destined for the top left corner, but Maignan stretched his whole body to palm the ball away.
At the fulltime whistle, Maignan was surrounded by his teammates, who thanked him for saving their bacon.
the love maignan is getting definitely my MOTM pic.twitter.com/bDGxDnWOw4
— ☾ (@Icicestkylian) March 27, 2023
French commentary of the Mike Maignan Save
The commentary on French television summed up just how incredible the save was.
MIKE MAIGNAN c’est le sang, il nous sauve pic.twitter.com/EAWnGh1QRo
— Flo (@LeFlofloo) March 27, 2023
All credit to Sportsfile's Piaras Ó Mídheach who photographed the incredible save.
27 March 2023; France goalkeeper Mike Maignan saves the header from Nathan Collins of Republic of Ireland in the closing moments of the UEFA EURO 2024 Championship Qualifier match between Republic of Ireland and France at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Shay Given said it might have been the greatest save in the history of Lansdowne Road. The save was particularly cruel because Hugo Lloris had occupied the French goal for what felt like decades. Had the Spurs keeper been playing tonight, Ireland surely would have earned a draw. However, Lloris packed in his international career after the World Cup and Maignan has filled the void majestically.
Only minutes before, Maignan was forced to make an incredible save after Joules Koundé nearly headed into his own net. Except Maignan was there.
Seamus Coleman said after the match he was watching the shot from midfield and thought it was going in. Not to be.
Ireland's Euro 2024 campaign continues in June with a trip to Athens to play Greece.
