France Beat Stubborn Paraguay to Set Morocco Q’final Clash

Kylian Mbappe's second-half penalty was enough to see World Cup favorites France past a resolute Paraguay and into the quarter-finals. The decisive moment came after substitute Desire Doue was fouled inside the box, leading to Mbappe leveling Lionel Messi on seven goals in the tournament's Golden Boot race.

The match, played in extreme heat with temperatures soaring to 38C, saw France dominate possession from the start. However, a disciplined Paraguay defense, which had upset Germany in the previous round, proved difficult to break down. The first half ended goalless with neither side registering a shot on target, a rarity in World Cup knockout ties.

France showed increased urgency after the break, forcing their first shot on target in the 54th minute. The introduction of Desire Doue proved pivotal, as the young forward drove into the box and drew the foul that led to Mbappe's penalty. This victory sets up a quarter-final clash with Morocco.

This knockout tie highlighted the contrast between France's free-flowing attack and Paraguay's physical and organized defense. Despite the frustration caused by Paraguay's stubbornness and some refereeing decisions, Mbappe once again delivered the decisive blow. This marks Mbappe's 19th World Cup goal in 20 games, as he continues his pursuit of Lionel Messi's records.

The last time these two teams met in the competition was also a tense affair in the last 16 in 1998, when France, as hosts, eventually triumphed.