Mbappé secured the decisive goal for France from the penalty spot in the 70th minute of a hard-fought encounter in Philadelphia.
By Kehinde Okeowo
France captain Kylian Mbappé has criticised Paraguay’s approach during their World Cup Round of 16 clash at the Philadelphia Stadium on Saturday.
Les Bleus advanced to the quarter-finals of the tournament after securing a narrow 1-0 victory over their South American opponents.
Mbappé’s goal from the penalty spot in the 70th minute proved decisive for France against La Albirroja, who had notably eliminated Germany in the previous round via penalties.
Despite the loss, Paraguay provided a formidable challenge to Didier Deschamps’ men throughout the encounter.
They were highly aggressive in their tackles but managed to avoid receiving any bookings for challenges on Mbappé and his teammates.
ALSO READ: Simón urges Spain to be wary of ‘dangerous’ Ronaldo ahead of World Cup last-16 clash with Portugal
While praising France for their determined victory after the match, Mbappé voiced his dissatisfaction with Paraguay’s approach to the game.
The Real Madrid star emphasised that his team was unafraid to engage in the more challenging aspects of the match.
”They thought we would turn up playing in tuxedos and putting on pretty displays, but no, we can play dirty football too,” Mbappé said (via @MadridXtra on X).
He added: “If we have to get our hands dirty, we will. Even at dirty football, we were better. They tried to get to us, but it was us who got to them.
“If they tell us to fck off, we will tell them to fck off too.”
Following their hard-fought victory, France have set the stage for an exciting quarter-final clash against Morocco in Boston.
