Analysts slam Paraguay's rough play and referee after France clash

France entered the round‑of‑16 expecting a technical display, but Paraguay responded with relentless physicality and a referee who issued no cards, prompting a chorus of criticism from former internationals. Ibrahim Afellay described the scene as 'my God, what are we watching?', while Arnold Bruggink called the officiating the worst he had ever seen. Presenter Sjoerd van Ramshorst noted he expected a pleasant evening watching France. Afellay retorted that such a match requires two teams. Afellay accused Paraguay of using every means to hinder France, describing the fouls as "unpunished slaps and dirty tackles". He added that their fair‑play rating was the lowest he could imagine and called the situation "really insane".

Mbappé’s penalty lifts France past Paraguay in Philadelphia heat

Arnold Bruggink labeled referee Ilgiz Tantasjev the worst he had ever seen, arguing that allowing such play without drawing a line leads to chaos. He expressed personal disappointment as a devoted football fan. Danny Blind recalled the 1970s, when similar conduct would have resulted in two red cards and seven yellows, yet no cards were shown in this match. He suggested that FIFA's efforts to purify the game appear ineffective when such incidents occur.

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The match ended without any disciplinary action from Tantasjev despite multiple infractions. Analysts collectively condemned both Paraguay's aggressive approach and the referee's leniency.