France advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals after defeating Paraguay 1-0, according to match reports from Cadena SER. Kylian Mbappé scored the deciding goal from a penalty in the 70th minute, following a foul on PSG winger Désiré Doué. France now faces Morocco in the next round, marking the fourth consecutive time the national team has reached the quarterfinals since 2014.
How did France break the Paraguayan defense?
France dominated ball possession for the majority of the match, recording an 81% possession rate by the end of the first half. Despite this control, the first 45 minutes remained sterile, with neither side managing a shot on target.
The momentum shifted in the second half. In the 50th minute, a long ball from Maignan nearly created a goal, but Paraguayan defender Cáceres cleared the ball just in time. Manu Koné followed with a powerful long-range effort in the 53rd minute, which forced goalkeeper Orlando Gill to deflect the ball for a corner.
What led to the decisive goal?
The deadlock broke in the 66th minute through an individual effort by Désiré Doué. The PSG winger bypassed several defenders inside the area before being tripped by Gómez. After a VAR review, referee Ilgiz Tantashev awarded a penalty.
Mbappé converted the spot-kick with a low shot to the right post, beating Orlando Gill. This goal provided the only score of the match, despite France’s continued pressure in the closing minutes.
The impact of Orlando Gill’s performance
While Mbappé secured the win, Orlando Gill’s goalkeeping kept Paraguay competitive. In the 88th minute, Gill stopped a long-range strike from Mbappé. He then performed a “Buffon-like” double save in the 96th minute, denying the French captain two immediate chances to double the lead.
Comparing the match dynamics
| Metric | France | Paraguay |
|---|---|---|
| First Half Possession | 81% | Lower percentage |
| Final Score | 1 | 0 |
| Key Performer | Kylian Mbappé | Orlando Gill |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will France play in the quarterfinals?
France is scheduled to play against Morocco.
How many goals has Kylian Mbappé scored in the tournament?
Mbappé has scored seven goals, tying the total of Leo Messi.
Who scored the winning goal against Paraguay?
Kylian Mbappé scored the only goal of the match via a penalty in the 70th minute.
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