France survive Paraguay's guile in humid Philadelphia, await Morocco

Under a blistering 38 °C sun in Philadelphia, the French side trudged onto the pitch for their World Cup quarter‑final against Paraguay. Kylian Mbappé broke the deadlock twenty minutes from time with a penalty, securing a 1‑0 win that sent France into the semi‑finals. Paraguay organised a disciplined, ten‑man block around their penalty area, limiting France to a handful of clear chances. Long‑range efforts from Manu Koné, Adrien Rabiot and Jules Koundé failed to trouble the Paraguayan goalkeeper before halftime. The quartet of Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola found it hard to penetrate the compact defence. Barcola’s cross forced a penalty after Désiré Doué’s dribble drew a foul, and the VAR confirmed the spot‑kick.

French media lambaste Paraguay after gritty World Cup clash

Mbappé calmly slotted the spot‑kick, giving France a 1‑0 lead in the 70th minute. Paraguayan keeper Gill made two crucial saves later, denying Mbappé a second goal and keeping his tally at seven for the tournament. In the ten‑minute added time, Paraguay’s Mauricio unleashed a long shot, but the French defence held firm. France maintained possession, with Olise and Dembélé probing but unable to create further clear opportunities.

Mbappé’s penalty lifts France past Paraguay in Philadelphia heat

France now faces Morocco on Thursday, a side that previously defeated Canada on Saturday evening. The quarter‑final promises a beautiful football match, unlike the tight encounter with Paraguay.