Mbappé vows to match Paraguay's grit after World Cup win

On a humid afternoon in Qatar, Kylian Mbappé led France to a 1‑0 victory over Paraguay at the World Cup, a match in which the South American side tried to keep the French star off the pitch. The game ended 0‑1, with Mbappé scoring the decisive penalty. Mbappé's penalty came after a sustained period of pressure from Paraguay, who repeatedly attempted to neutralise his influence. The French forward's composure from the spot secured the win for his side. ‘If we have to get our hands dirty, we will do it,’ Mbappé said after the match, as quoted by . He added that opponents expected France to arrive with flair, but the French team was prepared to work hard.

French media lambaste Paraguay after gritty World Cup clash

‘They thought we would come in smoking, flash moves and passes,’ Mbappé continued, describing the pre‑match expectations. He insisted that France also knows how to play a physical game. ‘There is no right or wrong way to play football; there is only one way, and that is to win,’ Mbappé asserted. He claimed Paraguay tried to attack in that manner, but France responded in the same way and were even better at it.

Mbappé admits France will play dirty to outthink Paraguay

‘Playing against South American teams is always difficult,’ France coach Didier Deschamps observed. He noted that the opponents tried various tactics, yet his side remained focused throughout. The exchange underscores the physical battle that defined the encounter and highlights France's willingness to match their opponents' intensity. Such a mindset may shape the French approach in the remaining World Cup fixtures.