Mbappé penalty sends France past Paraguay into World Cup quarterfinals
Kylian Mbappé converted a second-half penalty after a VAR review to give France a 1-0 win over Paraguay in the World Cup round of 16, setting up a quarterfinal clash with Morocco.
Defensive stalemate in Philadelphia heat
France dominated possession with 81% in the first half but could not register a shot on target. Paraguay, who eliminated Germany in the previous round, deployed aggressive, disruptive tactics that went largely unpunished by Uzbek referee Ilgiz Tantashev. The temperature at kickoff was 35 degrees Celsius. It was the first World Cup knockout match since 2006 without a shot on target in the opening 45 minutes.
Mbappé breaks the deadlock
The pattern continued after the break until a VAR intervention in the 67th minute. Substitute Désiré Doué was brought down by Diego Gomez inside the area. Referee Tantashev initially waved play on but pointed to the spot after reviewing the incident. Kylian Mbappé converted the penalty, sending goalkeeper Orlando Gill the wrong way for his seventh goal of the tournament and 19th World Cup goal overall. The goal came in the 70th minute.
- No shots on target; France holds 81% possession
- Second half begins with France pressing
- Manu Koné's long-range shot tipped over by Orlando Gill
- VAR check for a foul on Désiré Doué by Diego Gomez
- Kylian Mbappé scores penalty, his 7th goal of the tournament
- France wins 1-0, advances to quarterfinals
Refereeing controversy
Paraguay's physical approach drew no yellow cards, while French players were booked. Dutch media described the officiating as 'one of the greatest mysteries of this world.' Paraguay players also attempted to damage the penalty spot before Mbappé's kick.
Quarterfinal against Morocco
France will face Morocco in the quarterfinals on Thursday in Boston.
