Paraguay’s fairytale World Cup run ends against France

Paraguay's impressive run in the World Cup came to an end with a narrow 1-0 defeat against France in the last 16, but the South American underdogs earned widespread admiration throughout the tournament.

Making their first World Cup appearance since 2010, Paraguay advanced to the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams. They achieved this by stunning Germany in a penalty shootout, showcasing their resilience and determination.

The team's success was largely built on a solid defensive structure, an organized midfield, and the exceptional performance of goalkeeper Orlando Gill. Paraguay adopted a strategy of absorbing pressure, consistently having the tournament's lowest average possession, and frustrating opponents.

Against France, they once again frustrated a heavyweight opponent, limiting clear-cut chances despite France's dominance in possession. However, a penalty awarded to Kylian Mbappe via VAR ultimately proved to be the deciding factor, bringing Paraguay's memorable World Cup campaign to a close.