Paraguay struggled to put France ahead, but a penalty by Mbappe in the 70th minute proved to be enough. The “tricolors” won 1-0 in front of 68,000 spectators in Philadelphia and qualified for the “8” of the World Cup, where they will face Morocco, next Thursday (9/7, 23:00) in Boston.
In the first half, the “Albirroja” players played… with the minds of the French and achieved their goal. With some fouls, bordering on unsportsmanlike, they created irritation in the “tricolors” and especially in their captain, Kylian Mbappe. Thus, Deschamps’ usually stormy team did not create any chances in the first 45 minutes despite keeping the ball in possession for more than 65%.
The picture was similar in the second half with the French coming in impetuously, but Paraguay easily absorbing the pressure. Every minute that passed on the hot grass (ground temperature 50 degrees!) was in their favor. All this until the 65th minute when Douet, shortly after entering the match, with an amazing slalom in the area, was brought down by D. Gomes. A penalty that was awarded shortly after after VAR intervention. Mbappe set up the ball on the white ball and opened the scoring in the 70th minute with his 19th goal in a World Cup match. He now has one less than Messi.
It proved all too easy for France to maintain the advantage they had gained. Paraguay had nothing to show for creative, attacking football, and so the tournament’s big favorite advanced to the quarterfinals. 

Referee: Ilgiz Tadasev (Uzbekistan)
Yellow cards: Barkola, Kone, Oliseh

The compositions of the two teams:

PARAGUAY (Gustavo Alfaro): Gil, Velasquez, Alderete (58′ Canale), Caceres, Alonso, Gustavo Gomez (71′ Mauricio), Almiron (71′ Avalos), Diego Gomez, Cubas, Galarza, Enciso (61′ Cabagero)

FRANCE (Didier Deschamps): Meignan, Digne, Upamecano, Saliba, Koudet, Manu Kone, Rabiot, Barcola (61′ Douet), Dembele (84′ Serki), Oliseh, Mbappe