Top News

Former Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic admitted that he would have found it difficult to keep his temper in check during France’s tense World Cup victory over Paraguay. The Swedish icon commended Les Bleus for maintaining their composure amid persistent physical challenges in the fiery knockout clash.

Paraguay’s aggressive approach fails to stop France

France booked their place in the World Cup quarter-finals with a narrow 1-0 win over Paraguay, a match that was characterised more by its intense physical battles than by flowing football. Kylian Mbappe’s 70th-minute penalty proved to be the decisive moment, but the French side had to endure numerous “dirty tricks” from their opponents throughout the game.

Despite committing 13 fouls and repeatedly targeting France’s attacking players with tough tackles, the South American team astonishingly completed the match without receiving a single yellow card. In contrast, Didier Deschamps’ players were shown three yellow cards, prompting frustration from the French camp, who felt the officiating offered them little protection.

Zlatan admits he might not have stayed calm

Speaking after the match on Fox Sports, Ibrahimovic gave a candid take on how he would have reacted under similar circumstances. The former AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain forward remarked that his temperament might not have suited such a provocative atmosphere. He was quick to praise the French squad for focusing on the result rather than retaliating to the rough play.

“It was a different kind of challenge for them today,” Ibrahimovic said. “It was about not being provoked, staying composed, remaining calm, and not losing balance. And not falling for the tricks they were pulling. I would get four red cards in this game! And maybe send somebody to… but yes, that’s how it is. I like playing real football. I don’t enjoy when someone tries to provoke. But it’s part of the game, and yet not part of the game.”

The best response to provocation

Ibrahimovic went on to praise the maturity and professionalism shown by Les Bleus, who refused to engage in physical retaliation. By keeping their focus and securing the win despite the rough tactics, he believes France demonstrated the mentality of true contenders. According to him, composure under pressure is often what separates champions from the rest.

“France showed calmness, they were relaxed,” Ibrahimovic continued. “They did what had to be done. They responded with smiles. That’s the best way to answer — smile, score goals, win the game, go celebrate with your fans. That’s the perfect response.”

Quarter-final challenge ahead

By overcoming what many fans described as “UFC-style” football from Paraguay, France have shown their ability to adapt to different styles of play. They now prepare for a quarter-final clash against Morocco, who advanced after an emphatic win over Canada. The matchup is a repeat of their semi-final meeting four years ago in Qatar, where France triumphed 2-0 with goals from Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani.