France are through to the World Cup quarterfinals after a 1-0 win over Paraguay in Philadelphia. Kylian Mbappé scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot in the 70th minute after a video review led to a foul call against Diego Gómez.
The match was shaped as much by tension and weather as by chances. With temperatures near 100°F and an extreme heat warning in place, hydration breaks and sprinklers became part of the rhythm of the game, while Paraguay’s physical approach repeatedly tested France’s composure.
Mbappé’s goal was reported as his 19th in 19 World Cup appearances, leaving him one behind Lionel Messi’s career mark. The report also noted that Mbappé and Messi were level on seven goals in the tournament’s Golden Boot race at this stage.
Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill kept the score close with several saves, including late stops from Mbappé, but the post-match mood remained tense after a handshake attempt involving Gill and Mbappé ended with the ball being thrown toward the France forward’s shirt. France now move on to face Morocco in Foxborough.
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