Kylian Mbappe scores penalty as France edge past Paraguay in World Cup

Kylian Mbappe's decisive penalty in the 70th minute led France to a narrow 1-0 victory over Paraguay in their World Cup last-16 clash in Philadelphia. The win propels Les Bleus into the quarter-finals, where they will meet Morocco. Mbappe's goal not only broke Paraguay's resilient defence but also saw him equal Lionel Messi's tally of seven World Cup goals.

Paraguay, who defeated Germany in the previous round, put up a strong defensive display, effectively limiting France's scoring opportunities in the sweltering 39-degree heat. They managed to frustrate the French side, forcing them to take long-range shots while attempting to slow the pace of the game. It was not until the introduction of Desire Doue that France found a breakthrough.

The penalty was awarded after a VAR check confirmed that Doue had been tripped by Diego Gomez. Despite Paraguay's attempts to disrupt the penalty process, Mbappe maintained his composure and converted the kick into the bottom corner. The match was marked by rising tensions, with Paraguay's players committing reckless fouls, yet the referee issued no bookings against them.

Mbappe nearly added a second goal in stoppage time but was thwarted by a remarkable double save from Paraguay's goalkeeper Orlando Gill. Following the final whistle, tempers flared as players confronted each other, and Mbappe notably refused to shake hands with Gill, reflecting the match's heated atmosphere. France's coach Didier Deschamps acknowledged the challenge posed by Paraguay's physical style of play, expressing satisfaction with his team's performance.

The match set a record for Paraguay, who did not receive a single card, a first since 1998. France's victory marks another step in their quest for World Cup glory, as they prepare to face Morocco in the quarter-finals, a repeat of their semi-final encounter from the previous tournament.

via Sky Sports