FRANCE GRIND OUT WIN OVER STUBBORN PARAGUAY TO REACH QUARTER-FINALS


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FRANCE GRIND OUT WIN OVER STUBBORN PARAGUAY TO REACH QUARTER-FINALS

France are through to the World Cup quarter-finals after a hard-fought, far-from-pretty 1-0 win over a stubborn Paraguay at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

The only goal came from the penalty spot in the 70th minute. Substitute Désiré Doué, who had injected real energy into France's attack after coming on, was brought down in the box by Diego Gómez. Following a VAR review, the referee pointed to the spot, and Kylian Mbappé stepped up to send goalkeeper Orlando Gill the wrong way, slotting home coolly. It was Mbappé's seventh goal of the tournament and his 19th at World Cups overall, drawing him level with Lionel Messi at the top of this year's Golden Boot race, though still one behind Messi's all-time World Cup scoring record.

The match was played in brutal heat, with temperatures touching 100°F (38°C) and hydration breaks needed throughout. Paraguay, who had stunned Germany to reach this stage, set up in a deep, disciplined block and made life difficult for France with tough, physical defending. The first half produced barely a clear chance at either end — only the third World Cup knockout match since 1966 to go in level and goalless at the break.

France upped the tempo after the interval, with Manu Koné forcing a smart save from Gill before the decisive penalty arrived. Even after taking the lead, France couldn't add to their tally: Gill produced two brilliant stoppage-time saves to deny Mbappé a second, keeping the scoreline respectable for Paraguay until the very end.

Gill was arguably the standout performer despite the defeat, marshalling his defence well and pulling off a string of key saves. Paraguay's resistance ultimately wasn't enough, and their remarkable World Cup run comes to a close in the last 16.

France now progress to face Morocco, who beat co-hosts Canada 3-0 earlier in the day, in the quarter-finals in Foxborough.


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