Kylian Mbappé drilled home a 70th-minute penalty to settle a bad-tempered FIFA World Cup Round of 16 tie as France defeated Paraguay 1-0 in Philadelphia. The result books Didier Deschamps’ side a quarter-final appointment with Morocco on 9 July, ending the South Americans’ surprise run following their earlier elimination of Germany.
The decisive moment arrived after substitute Désiré Doué was fouled by Diego Gómez following a VAR review that confirmed contact. As Mbappé prepared to take the spot-kick, several Paraguay players attempted to scuff the penalty mark and damage the surrounding turf, sparking further confrontations between the sides. The scenes summed up a scrappy, ill-tempered contest in which Paraguay employed frequent tactical fouls to disrupt the French attack, yet remarkably no Paraguay player received a yellow card.
“We know how to play dirty football”
Les Bleus struggled to find their rhythm against a compact, aggressive opponent content to sit deep and frustrate. The captain later reflected on the physical battle, stating: “They thought we were going to come and play in tuxedos … But we know how to play dirty football too.” France goalkeeper Mike Maignan, celebrating his birthday this week, was largely protected by a defence featuring Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano, who delivered another assured performance to preserve the clean sheet. Michael Olise, also of Bayern, completed the full match.
Injury concerns shape midfield
France were forced into a late reshuffle after Real Madrid’s Aurélien Tchouaméni reported thigh discomfort on the eve of the fixture. AS Roma’s Manu Koné anchored the midfield alongside Milan’s Adrien Rabiot as a result, with Deschamps back on the sidelines following a spell of compassionate leave. The absence compounded the earlier loss of Inter striker Marcus Thuram, who missed out with a muscular problem.
Paraguay’s defiant exit
Paraguay had arrived in Pennsylvania optimistic after dumping Germany out on penalties, their first knockout triumph at a World Cup since 2010. Manager Gustavo Alfaro’s side employed a 4-4-2 formation with Strasbourg forward Julio Enciso and Independiente’s Gabriel Avalos leading the line, while former Newcastle United winger Miguel Almirón featured on the right flank. Cremonese centre-forward Antonio Sanabria started among the substitutes, with Orlando Gill—heavily linked with a move to Torino—continuing in goal. However, their inability to convert combative spirit into goals proved costly against a French side that has now won every match en route to the last eight.
Les Bleus will face Morocco on 9 July for a place in the semi-finals, with Deschamps’ squad aiming to maintain the momentum that has carried them through four consecutive victories.