Paraguay goalkeeper: If the French aren't used to physical football, what can we do?
Goalkeeper Orlando Gil reflected on Paraguay's World Cup exit against France, defending his team's aggressive style of play.
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Paraguay's 2026 World Cup campaign ended in the Round of 16 following a narrow 0-1 defeat to France. Goalkeeper Orlando Gil, who was named player of the match, addressed remarks regarding his team's physical intensity during the game.
It's football. If they aren't used to it, what can we do? For you, Paraguay is a tough team. From the first moment, we wanted to show how tough we are on the pitch, that if the ball passes us, the opponent doesn't. Orlando Gil
Gil noted that had the penalty not been awarded, Paraguay might have forced extra time, as they were successfully holding their own against a strong opponent. The goalkeeper also acknowledged that an encounter with Kylian Mbappé after the final whistle left him feeling disappointed.
Paraguay exits the tournament, while France advances to the quarter-finals, where they will face Morocco on July 9 in Boston.