France edge past Paraguay: Mbappe levels with Messi in Golden Boot race
Kylian Mbappe's second-half penalty secured a narrow 1-0 win for France over Paraguay to reach the World Cup quarter-finals.
France advanced to the World Cup quarter-finals after a laboured 1-0 victory over Paraguay in Philadelphia. The deadlock was broken in the second half when Kylian Mbappe converted a penalty won by substitute Desire Doue.
The goal was Mbappe's seventh of the tournament, bringing him level with Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot. Despite the victory, France's star-studded attack struggled to find their rhythm throughout the evening. Performances from Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, and Bradley Barcola left much to be desired against a disciplined Paraguayan defensive unit.
Midfielder Manu Kone provided a bright spark in the middle of the park, while Desire Doue made an immediate impact off the bench to force the decisive spot-kick. Manager Didier Deschamps expressed disappointment with his side's lack of cutting edge, acknowledging that they will need to be at their best in the next round.
Les Bleus are now set to face Morocco in the quarter-finals. Deschamps will be expected to make tactical adjustments to ensure his attack is more clinical as the team continues its journey in the tournament.