World Cup: France Outlast Dogged Paraguay to Advance

France beat Paraguay 1-0 to reach World Cup quarter-finals
  

Mbappe converted from the spot after Doue was fouled as France overcame Paraguay’s defensive approach to advance to the World Cup last 8.

Mbappe penalty breaks Paraguay resistance as France reach quarters...

A Kylian Mbappe penalty proved the difference as France ground out a win over a stubborn Paraguay team at Lincoln Financial Field, booking a World Cup quarter-final against Morocco.

Coming off a historic penalty shootout win over Germany, Paraguay went all out to frustrate France’s attacking, star-studded lineup that had dominated every opponent so far.

With a mix of structure, grit, and some gamesmanship, the South American team stifled the two-time World Cup winners in a tense, physical first half full of niggle.

The pattern was clear inside 20 minutes. Didier Deschamps' side had more than 80% possession and made six times as many passes as Paraguay, yet couldn't manage a single shot on target.

Driven by the relentless Julio Enciso, who pressed France's backline all half, Paraguay kept Les Bleus to just five attempts before the break. It was only the third World Cup knockout match since 1966 with no shots on target in the first half.

France’s frustration boiled over just after the 30-minute mark. Mbappe hit the deck after a challenge from Andres Cubas and reacted, triggering a mass confrontation involving around 20 players.

The heat hit 39 degrees at the start of the second half, and so did France’s pressure. Manu Kone tested Orlando Gill with a long-range strike, and the goalkeeper had to tip it over for his first save of the match.

*The game turned on the hour when Desire Doue came on. Six minutes later the PSG forward weaved past three defenders into the box and was fouled by Diego Gomez.

Despite Paraguay’s attempts to delay it, Mbappe kept his composure and slotted the penalty low into the corner to give France the lead.

Once France were ahead, the roles flipped. Les Bleus turned into the ones slowing things down, copying Paraguay with time-wasting and tactical fouls.

Mbappe almost made it 2-0 in stoppage time but Gill pulled off a superb double save. In the end, France had done enough to pass their toughest test of the tournament so far, and now face an even bigger challenge against Morocco on Thursday.