World Cup: Aggressive tactics against Mbappé, Paraguayan goalkeeper throws ball at him; 'This is football...'

Kylian Mbappé's decisive penalty secured France's 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the World Cup Round of 16, advancing them to the quarterfinals. However, the match was marked by intense physicality and alleged unsportsmanlike conduct from the Paraguayan side, directed particularly at the French star.

Mbappé himself spoke out after the game, describing a match where Paraguayan players employed numerous "dirty tactics" and attempted to disrupt France's rhythm. He stated, "They thought we would only come out in tuxedos and do pretty moves, but we also know how to play dirty football, even better. This game they tried to mess with us, but we messed with them instead."

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They thought we would only come out in tuxedos and do pretty moves, but we also know how to play dirty football, even better. This game they tried to mess with us, but we messed with them instead.

The tension extended beyond the final whistle. Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill was seen throwing a ball at Mbappé in a moment of apparent frustration. Gill later explained his actions, admitting he lost his temper when Mbappé ignored his attempt to offer a handshake and congratulations. He stated, "I was trying to shake his hand and congratulate him, but he ignored me, so I lost control, but that was it. I calmed down later."

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I was trying to shake his hand and congratulate him, but he ignored me, so I lost control, but that was it. I calmed down later.

Gill defended Paraguay's style of play, characterized by strong physical challenges. "This is football. If they are not used to this style of play, we can't do anything about it. Paraguay is a team like that, very physical, plays aggressively. We want the opponent to feel the pressure, to know that the ball can go, but the player cannot."

Despite the controversy, Gill acknowledged his team's strong defensive performance, including several key saves against Mbappé in the closing stages. He lamented the penalty decision, suggesting the outcome might have been different without it.

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This is football. If they are not used to this style of play, we can't do anything about it. Paraguay is a team like that, very physical, plays aggressively. We want the opponent to feel the pressure, to know that the ball can go, but the player cannot.