Mbappé penalty gets France past Paraguay's disruptions

France secured a place in the World Cup quarterfinals by defeating Paraguay 1-0 in a match described as the tournament's least attractive. Kylian Mbappé's penalty kick was the decisive goal.

Paraguay's game plan focused on extreme defense, aiming to disrupt the French stars with physicality and delaying tactics. This strategy largely succeeded in frustrating France, which struggled to create chances despite enjoying 80% possession before halftime. The intense heat in Philadelphia also contributed to the slow pace of the game.

Despite the defensive pressure, France's offensive capabilities eventually broke through. A substitution brought in Désiré Doué, whose skillful dribbling in the penalty area led to a foul. After a VAR review, a penalty was awarded. Mbappé converted the spot-kick, marking his seventh goal of the tournament.

Paraguay attempted a late push during ten minutes of added time, but France's defense held firm. The match was characterized by Paraguay's rough play, though the referee surprisingly issued no cards to the South American team until the final whistle. France now advances to face Morocco in the quarterfinals, a rematch of a previous World Cup semifinal.