World Cup
Paraguay's hard‑charging tactics clash with France's polished play
In a World Cup clash that saw France prevail, the Paraguayan side resorted to a bruising, hard‑charging style that left the French players and global analysts outraged. The South American team earned scathing criticism for tactics that many described as antithetical to the spectacle of football.
Kylian Mbappé shouted after the match that Paraguay "did not want to play, we have shown how it should be done". He expressed frustration over the numerous fouls his side endured.
France coach Didier Deschamps said the Paraguayans "used every trick there is" and that such football does not attract crowds. He emphasized that the French side preferred a more attractive style.
Former Dutch midfielder Ibrahim Afellay suggested that Mbappé might need to be taken to hospital before a card is shown. Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart called the Paraguayan players "an absolute disgrace" and said he would have dragged them off the pitch himself.
Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic remarked that he would have taken four red cards in the match. Former French forward Thierry Henry declined to comment, stating that football had already celebrated.
Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro declared that his team fights "like lions" and wants the ball to pass but not the player, highlighting their physical aggression. He noted that it took Paraguay sixteen years to return to the World Cup, contrasting with Mbappé's rapid rise to champion in his first appearance.
Goalkeeper Orlando Gill said "this is just football" and recalled his role in the penalty shootout against Germany earlier in the tournament. After Mbappé ignored his handshake, Gill tossed the ball at the French star, explaining he was momentarily carried away.
The divergent reactions underscore a split between France's celebrated technical play and Paraguay's combative approach that provokes universal condemnation. As the competition moves forward, the debate over style versus sportsmanship is set to linger.