Mike Maignan: frustration and controversy after Lewandowski’s penalty
The France had to settle for a frustrating draw against the Poland (1-1) during the third and final day of the Euro group stage. This result left a bitter taste, particularly for Mike Maignanthe Blues goalkeeper, whose performance could have been decisive.
The course of the match: a missed victory
France took the lead thanks to a penalty converted by Kylian Mbappé. This action revived the French supporters’ hopes of victory, after a first half dominated by the Blues but without anything happening on the scoreboard.
While the match seemed headed for a French victory, a decisive turning point came in the final minutes. Robert Lewandowskithe attacker of FC Barcelone, took a penalty for Poland. Mike Maignan, brilliant on his line, initially stopped Lewandowski’s attempt. However, the referee ordered the penalty taken away, arguing that Maignan had left his line too early.
Maignan’s complaint: A virulent reaction
After the second attempt was made, Lewandowski finally scored, equalizing for Poland. This incident provoked a strong reaction from Mike Maignan, who expressed himself on Instagram with a certain virulence. “ As the attacker begins his 87th feint in his run-up, » he posted, expressing his exasperation at the Polish attacker’s multiple feints.
According to FIFA rules, a goalkeeper must have at least one foot on or above the goal line at the moment the ball is kicked during a penalty kick. This rule, aimed at limiting the advantage goalkeepers have, requires heightened awareness and perfect timing to avoid compromising a save.
Feints in the run-up, although permitted, are often controversial. They aim to destabilize the goalkeeper and create uncertainty about the precise moment of the shot. Excessive repetition of these feints, as in the case of Lewandowski, raises questions about the fairness and sportsmanship of such practices.
