Paraguay Goalkeeper Explains Heated Exchange With Mbappé: "I Got Heated"

Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill has shed light on the tense confrontation with French star Kylian Mbappé following Paraguay's elimination from the World Cup 2026. The incident occurred immediately after the final whistle, when Gill, frustrated, threw the ball at Mbappé's back, sparking a melee between players from both sides.

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This is football, I offered my hand to congratulate him, but since he didn't pay attention... I obviously got heated, then I calmed down.

"This is football, I offered my hand to congratulate him, but since he didn't pay attention... I obviously got heated, then I calmed down," Gill explained. Despite the altercation, he acknowledged France's strong performance, calling them "candidates for world champions." The match was ultimately decided by a penalty converted by Mbappé.

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I congratulate them, they had an excellent campaign, the French, who are candidates for world champions.

Gill emphasized Paraguay's commitment throughout the game. "We leave with our heads held high. Paraguay gave everything on the field; if it weren't for that penalty, I think we would have taken it to extra time. We managed to hold them off quite well," he stated. He reflected on the decisive moment, noting, "It's like this, it's the details, you have to pay attention to all of them, whatever happens in the box. I think he touched it, obviously, otherwise they wouldn't have called it, but Paraguay leaves with its head held high."

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We leave with our heads held high. Paraguay gave everything on the field; if it weren't for that penalty, I think we would have taken it to extra time. We managed to hold them off quite well.