Top News

After the rendition of the ‘Star-Spangled Banner’, the spotlight turned to the star-studded French side. The World Cup bid farewell to Philadelphia amid festivities honouring the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in this historic city.

For Les Bleus, their declarations of brilliance had already been made. But this performance proved they can win ugly when required—and that their brightest star continues to shine.

For Kylian Mbappe, America’s birthday seemed like just another working day. His knack for scoring in World Cups remains relentless, and with France’s potential semi-final scheduled on Bastille Day, few would bet against him finding the net again. Only Morocco now stand between France and another semi-final appearance, after they finally broke Paraguay’s stubborn resistance.

The irony was striking: a Paraguayan team that had achieved the improbable by eliminating Germany on penalties, and appeared intent on forcing another shootout, were ultimately undone by a penalty. Mbappe coolly side-footed the ball home, delivering punishment for Paraguay’s constant provocations.

It was nonetheless a measure of Paraguay’s resilience that a previously free-flowing French attack struggled to breach their packed defence in open play. The South Americans had set up a roadblock on France’s path to glory.

Didier Deschamps, however, found the solution. Each match seems to add to the feeling that the manager may be bowing out at the height of his powers. Blessed with an abundance of options, Deschamps continues to prove his mastery in selecting the right combinations at the right moments.

Deschamps has long been familiar with decisive tactical switches in World Cup fixtures—just recall the 2022 final. When stalemate loomed once more, he replaced Bradley Barcola with Desire Doue. Within four minutes, the substitute had drawn the crucial foul.

Doue’s weaving solo run was brought to an abrupt halt by Diego Gomez. Ironically, after staying down injured, Doue had to remain off the pitch while the penalty he won was converted.

Doue and Barcola, both Paris Saint-Germain teammates, appear to share duties on France’s left flank—a modern twist on the old Italian “staffeta”, when Gianni Rivera and Sandro Mazzola alternated the creative role in the 1970 World Cup. Doue may lack Barcola’s electric pace, but in this match, finesse trumped speed as his dribbling skills proved decisive.

From the spot, Mbappe sent Orlando Gill the wrong way. It was his 19th World Cup goal, and remarkably, his 11th in knockout stages—equalling Cristiano Ronaldo’s career total. Mbappe now trails Lionel Messi by just one in the all-time rankings, with their personal duel set to continue at least until the quarter-finals—perhaps even culminating in another final showdown.

Gill had been Germany’s tormentor in the previous round, but this time, the French attack proved too much. Ironically, France might have preferred facing Germany instead; it could have made for a more open contest.

The first half ended without a single shot on target, and it wasn’t until Manu Kone’s effort that this changed. In the 96th minute, as play opened up, Gill produced a brilliant double save to deny Mbappe.

Chances were scarce. After their chaotic start against the United States, Paraguay had become perhaps the most disciplined side in the tournament. For France, they were the most exasperating.

France were suffocated by both the sweltering heat—temperatures soared above 100 degrees Fahrenheit—and Paraguay’s disciplined defending. Barcola, notably, spent most of the first half seeking shade. Coach Gustavo Alfaro deployed a five-man backline to counter France’s vaunted front four.

Paraguay left Julio Enciso isolated up front. The Brighton forward made an admirable effort, embarking on several solo runs, but it was a thankless task. Exhausted after an hour, he was substituted, having managed just one shot on target. Their defensive strategy became futile once they conceded.

As tempers flared in the heat, Paraguay’s aggression crossed the line. Mbappe shoved Andres Cubas in one altercation, while Matias Galarza, the chief instigator, hacked down the French captain off the ball before later elbowing Jules Kounde.

Surprisingly, the Paraguayans escaped without a single booking—their first World Cup match without a yellow card since 1998. Referee Ilgiz Tantashev appeared indifferent to repeated incidents of gamesmanship, from time-wasting to off-the-ball fouls. The final caution tally read 3-0 in France’s favour. Even the penalty required VAR intervention before being awarded, and Paraguay’s players tried to damage the penalty spot before the kick.

Mbappe slotted it home regardless, while Ousmane Dembele laughed off Paraguay’s attempts to distract. For Deschamps, the moment may have felt like déjà vu. He rarely discusses his playing days with his squad—many were too young to remember—but in the 1998 World Cup, France edged past a defensive Paraguay 1-0 in the Round of 16. They went on to lift the trophy.

On a day when the United States celebrated its past, Deschamps could be forgiven for feeling that history might just be repeating itself.