France have booked their place in the World Cup quarter-finals after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Paraguay in Philadelphia, with Kylian Mbappé’s second-half penalty proving decisive.
The World Cup favourites were made to work for their victory as Paraguay produced a disciplined defensive display to frustrate Les Bleus for long periods.
The match remained goalless at half-time, with neither side registering a shot on target.
France finally broke the deadlock after substitute Désiré Doué was fouled in the box, with the penalty awarded following a VAR review. Mbappé then converted from the spot to seal the victory.
Paraguay, who had earlier upset Germany on penalties in the Round of 32, defended strongly throughout but were unable to overcome France’s dominance in possession.
France will face Morocco in the World Cup quarter-finals at 8am on Friday after Morocco beat Canada 3-0 earlier today.
Meanwhile, in tomorrow’s last 16 matches, Brazil will face Norway at 8am, while Mexico will take on England at 12pm.
Source: BBC Sport
