Kylian Mbappe extended his World Cup goal tally to 19, inching closer to Lionel Messi in the tournament’s all-time scoring list after 19 games.
Notably, since 2018, Mbappe has outscored Brazil (10), England (10), Portugal (9), and Spain (4) in knockout stages alone.
France initially struggled to create clear chances, with their captain leading a team that failed to register a shot on target during the opening half.
The extreme heat—with temperatures reaching 38.3°C at kick-off—combined with Paraguay’s aggressive style tested the squad’s resilience, placing the match among the hottest in World Cup history.
Despite the sweltering conditions and Paraguay’s unorthodox approach, France devised a strategy to overcome both challenges and secure victory.
Post-match, Mbappe expressed confidence in his team’s adaptability, stating, ‘We know how to play under pressure—Paraguay thought we’d arrive in formal attire, but we were prepared.’
France’s manager, Didier Deschamps, confirmed tactical adjustments, revealing he positioned key players to shield Mbappe as Paraguay intensified their attacks.
‘They employ every conceivable tactic,’ Deschamps added, ‘but we remained focused. It’s not conventional football, but we proved we could handle it.’
Mbappe, targeted early, handled Paraguay’s provocations with composure, often laughing off their attempts to disrupt him.
Defender Harry Kane praised Mbappe’s mindset, noting, ‘His demeanor was exceptional. The Paraguayan players constantly targeted him, yet he maintained his cool.’
Former Germany midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger criticized Paraguay’s conduct, stating, ‘This behavior is regrettable. While Paraguay fans may admire their team, others should have no respect for such tactics.’