France secured a hard-fought victory against Paraguay in a World Cup match marked by extreme heat and aggressive tactics from the South American side. Despite facing significant physical challenges and what was described as "disgraceful" and "embarrassing" play, the French team found a way to win.
Kylian Mbappé, captaining France, contributed to the win and continued his strong World Cup performance. Since 2018, Mbappé has scored more goals in the knockout stages of the World Cup than several major footballing nations, further cementing his place in tournament history. The match, played in temperatures reaching 38.3C, one of the hottest on record for a World Cup game, tested the endurance of both teams.
France struggled to create clear chances in the first half, failing to register an attempt on target. However, the team adapted to the conditions and Paraguay's style of play. "We know how to play ugly football," Mbappé stated post-match, indicating his team was prepared for their opponents' rough approach. He added that France was superior even within that style of play.
French coach Didier Deschamps acknowledged the difficulty of the match, particularly concerning the tactics employed by Paraguay. Deschamps admitted he instructed larger players to shield Mbappé in the final stages to protect him from fouls. He characterized Paraguay's approach as using "every trick in the book" and noted that while it might not be entertaining, it was an effective defensive strategy against a strong French side.
Mbappé was a target for Paraguay's physical play from the outset but maintained his composure, reportedly laughing off the provocations on the field. Former Germany midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger criticized Paraguay's conduct, stating there was "no respect" for their behavior, which he deemed worse than "disgraceful." Observers also noted that no Paraguayan players received yellow cards within the 90 minutes, a point of contention regarding the refereeing.
Despite the challenges, France's ability to adapt and overcome both the environmental conditions and their opponent's tactics highlights their resilience and depth as they advance in the tournament. This victory showcased France's capacity to win in different ways, moving beyond their previous dominant performances.