Mbappé penalty sends France to World Cup quarter-finals past Paraguay

France advanced to the World Cup quarter-finals for the fourth time in a row, narrowly beating Paraguay 1-0 thanks to a Kylian Mbappé penalty. The match, played in sweltering 38-degree heat in Philadelphia, was characterized by a cautious refereeing approach and Paraguay's disruptive tactics.

Paraguay made it difficult for France throughout the game, employing time-wasting and physical play. Kylian Mbappé, France's captain, bore the brunt of this approach, with one incident involving Matías Galarza drawing a yellow card only after a VAR intervention. Despite Paraguay committing more fouls, France received two yellow cards, sparking visible frustration among the French players.

After halftime, France increased the tempo, creating more dangerous opportunities. A foul by Diego Gómez on substitute Désiré Doué inside the penalty area was initially missed by the referee but was later awarded after a VAR review. Mbappé confidently converted the penalty, marking his seventh goal of the tournament and drawing him level with Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race.

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We get two yellow cards, while they repeatedly commit fouls without being punished.

Following the match, French coach Didier Deschamps voiced his dissatisfaction with the officiating. He felt Paraguay's repeated fouls went unpunished, contrasting with France's swift penalties. Deschamps recalled a similar experience in the 2018 quarter-final against Uruguay, where he substituted Mbappé to protect him from overly aggressive tactics.

Paraguay's World Cup journey ended after their earlier upset victory over Germany. Their best performance remains a quarter-final appearance in 2010. France will face Morocco in the quarter-finals, a rematch of the 2022 World Cup semi-final.

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At the time, I even substituted Mbappé to protect him. They were prepared to go to great lengths to stop him.