In a scorching match in Philadelphia, France edged Paraguay 1‑0 thanks to a penalty that sparked controversy over the referee’s handling of the game, the so‑called “dirty tactics” of the South American side, and the intense heat.
\French forward Kylian Mbappé slotted the penalty after French defender Desire Doue was brought down by Paraguayan Diego Gomez, while Paraguay’s defenders appeared intent on delaying the kick. Referee Ilgiz Tantashev’s decision to award the spot kick was defended by VAR, but critics argue he was too lax with the rough play that characterised the match.
\Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart slammed Paraguay’s approach, “Paraguay’s players were an absolute disgrace,” while defender Micah Richards said it was embarrassing to see such antics. Paraguayan players were never booked, while France saw three cautions.
\The game reached 38.3 °C at kickoff, one of the hottest World Cup fixtures ever, yet French fans remained defiant, with Mbappé saying, “They thought we’d show up in tuxedos, but we were ready.”
\The result lifts France into the quarter‑finals at Boston Stadium, where they will face Morocco. With the trophy still within reach, France’s coach Didier Deschamps praised his side’s ability to play “beautiful football and fight as hard as we can.”
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