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| FIFA world cup 2026/photo/Getty |
Kylian Mbappe said France demonstrated they are capable of playing “dirty football” when necessary after overcoming Paraguay’s physical approach in a hard-fought 1-0 victory to reach the World Cup quarterfinals on Friday.
Mbappe scored the only goal from the penalty spot in the second half after substitute Desire Doue was fouled inside the penalty area, sending the defending champions into the last eight after a match dominated as much by confrontations as by football.
Paraguay adopted an aggressive strategy from the opening whistle, repeatedly disrupting France’s rhythm with hard challenges, persistent appeals to the referee and attempts to slow the game. Tensions escalated throughout the contest, with several heavy tackles and frequent verbal exchanges between players.
The South Americans also attempted gamesmanship before Mbappe’s decisive penalty by scuffing the penalty spot while the referee restored order before the kick was taken.The confrontation continued after the final whistle.
Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill approached Mbappe in an apparent attempt to shake hands, but the France captain walked past without acknowledging him.
Gill then threw the match ball toward Mbappe, striking him in the back and triggering a brief confrontation involving players from both teams near midfield.
Mbappe later said France had anticipated Paraguay’s tactics and was prepared to respond in kind.
“We knew what kind of match it was going to be,” Mbappe said. “We can also get our hands dirty. We know how to do it. We know how to play ugly football.”
“They probably thought we were going to show up in tuxedos, but we were ready.”
France largely controlled possession but struggled to create clear chances against Paraguay’s disciplined defensive shape before Doue’s driving run produced the decisive penalty.
Despite the increasingly physical nature of the contest, France remained composed to secure its place in the quarterfinals, where it will face Morocco in a rematch of the 2022 World Cup semifinal.Paraguay’s combative display ultimately failed to unsettle Didier Deschamps’ side, although the South Americans succeeded in turning the knockout match into a tense and emotional battle that extended well beyond the final whistle.