France celebrated vigorously upon securing their spot in the quarter-finals, with the entire team racing from the center circle to the stands at Philadelphia Stadium, where their supporters had gathered. The scene was filled with exuberance as players piled on each other, cheering loudly while Kylian Mbappé led the festivities.
Once the celebrations calmed, the French captain addressed the TV cameras and characterized the match as more of a gritty contest than a simple game. He acknowledged the challenges posed by Paraguay, who were relentless in their approach. “We knew what kind of match we were going to have,” Mbappé remarked. “But we know how to get our hands dirty.”
Didier Deschamps, the head coach, offered a more measured evaluation of the match’s events, stating, “It was a tough game but, as I said to the players, we’ve had easy games so far. It is good to face a tough one,”
He further explained, “I have prepared the players, they were expecting this game. I do not want to criticise Paraguay; each team plays the way they want. We looked at playing football but the opponent did what they wanted to do. Playing low block requires less effort. But even in today’s heat we should have played faster in transition.”
Despite Paraguay’s effective tactics, particularly the performance of Matías Galarza, France struggled to make their mark. This match marked their least convincing performance of the tournament, as they failed to register a shot on target until the 55th minute. They only managed one more attempt, the decisive penalty, before a late surge saw Mbappé thwarted by Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill three times in a lengthy stoppage time.
France recorded the lowest number of shots on target and the lowest expected goals (xG) of their tournament, including the penalty. Paraguay’s switch to a five-man defense and a compact midfield severely restricted the French attack, leaving players like Michael Olise unable to create opportunities. Ousmane Dembelé and Bradley Barcola also struggled, unable to elevate their game at any point, which could be a point of concern for Morocco, France’s next opponent, who is also adept at stifling play.
There were factors to consider, with the intense Philadelphia heat, reaching 38C, likely impacting the match more significantly than Paraguayan tactics. The heat was so extreme that it led to the cancellation of some 4 July festivities in the city. From the stands, it was evident that France found it difficult to sustain any pace, particularly under the relentless sun.
Ultimately, France relied on moments of brilliance to secure their victory. Star players, especially Mbappé, took it upon themselves to resolve issues on the field. It was through such individual efforts that they triumphed. Désiré Doué’s swift dash into the box caught two Paraguayan defenders off guard and prompted a hasty challenge from the third, captain Gustavo Gómez. Although the referee missed the foul, VAR intervened, awarding a penalty that Mbappé converted with poise.
Doué, who plays for PSG, delivered perhaps his best performance of the tournament, even if it came in the last 30 minutes as a substitute. This game highlighted a significant takeaway for France; they faced a formidable tactical challenge and frustrating opponents in harsh conditions. They did not perform at their best, nor did they create many chances, though it is worth noting they did not concede any. For the first time in this World Cup, they turned to their bench to find a solution, and it proved effective.
Paraguay’s tactics, utilizing various approaches, managed to take some of the edge off France in Philadelphia, similar to how Cape Verde had done against Argentina the previous night. The removal of France’s aura of invincibility could be beneficial for the tournament. Deschamps’s team will need to improve against Morocco in Boston on Thursday. However, the experience gained from this match has also showcased the full range of France’s capabilities. They can secure victories with finesse or through sheer moments of brilliance that can arise from unexpected players.
- World Cup 2026
- France
- Paraguay
- World Cup
- analysis
