Deschamps Praises French Players for Keeping Cool Against Aggressive Paraguay

Didier Deschamps, the French national football team coach, lauded his players for their mental fortitude in securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Paraguay in the World Cup Round of 16. The match was characterized by Paraguay's physical and often aggressive approach, which Deschamps felt pushed the boundaries of fair play.

"It was not easy. Paraguay used every possible means. It's perhaps not the type of football that gets people in the stadium," Deschamps commented, as reported by Reuters. He specifically pointed to the intensity of Paraguay's play, suggesting it was excessive. "Playing with that kind of aggressiveness, where they overdo everything," he added.

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It was not easy. Paraguay used every possible means. It's perhaps not the type of football that gets people in the stadium. Playing with that kind of aggressiveness, where they overdo everything.

The French coach also alluded to unsportsmanlike conduct from the Paraguayan bench, stating, "There were some insults from their bench that I could have done without." Deschamps indicated that he had prepared his squad for such a challenging encounter, anticipating a physically demanding game.

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There were some insults from their bench that I could have done without.

Kylian Mbappé emerged as the match-winner, converting a penalty in the second half. Deschamps acknowledged that his team was prepared to match Paraguay's physicality if required. "If we have to get our hands dirty, we can do that too. We can also play ugly football," he stated. "Even at that, we were better than Paraguay. It's their way of playing. There's nothing right or wrong about it."

The penalty incident itself, where Désiré Doué was fouled in the box, was initially missed by the referee. He only awarded the penalty after consulting with VAR officials, underscoring the contentious nature of the match and the officiating. Despite the rough play, France advanced, with Deschamps emphasizing his team's ability to adapt and overcome their opponents' tactics.

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If we have to get our hands dirty, we can do that too. We can also play ugly football. Even at that, we were better than Paraguay. It's their way of playing. There's nothing right or wrong about it.