Deschamps Feared Mbappe Would Be 'Chopped Down' as France Edge Paraguay in Physical World Cup Clash

France coach Didier Deschamps admitted he feared for Kylian Mbappe's safety during their World Cup last-16 tie against Paraguay, describing the match as a "bruising battle." France ultimately secured a 1-0 victory, with Mbappe's second-half penalty proving decisive and sending Les Bleus into the quarterfinals to face Morocco.

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I asked the two biggest lads to go and stand around Kylian at the end because they were going to chop him down.

Deschamps revealed he instructed his taller players to shield Mbappe in the closing stages of the game, as Paraguay resorted to fouls and provocation in an attempt to find an equalizer. "I asked the two biggest lads to go and stand around Kylian at the end because they were going to chop him down," Deschamps said. He characterized Paraguay's approach as employing "every trick in the book" and noted it was "not the kind of football that will bring people to the stadium."

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It wasn't easy. They use every trick in the book. It's not the kind of football that will bring people to the stadium, but they defended well. It is always difficult against these South American teams.

Despite dominating possession, France found themselves frustrated for extended periods by Paraguay's deep and combative defensive strategy. The breakthrough came in the 70th minute when Desire Doue was fouled in the penalty area, leading to Mbappe's successful spot-kick. France had anticipated a physical confrontation and demonstrated their ability to match Paraguay's intensity.

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We knew what kind of match we were going to have. If we have to get our hands dirty, we can do that. We can play ugly football. They thought we would turn up in tuxedos, but we were there.

Mbappe echoed Deschamps' sentiments, stating, "We knew what kind of match we were going to have. If we have to get our hands dirty, we can do that. We can play ugly football." He added that while Paraguay employed their style of play, France ultimately proved superior and secured the win. The victory sets up a quarterfinal clash with Morocco.

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Even at that game, we were better than them. That's their football, there is no right or wrong way to play the game. They tried to get at us that way, but we won.