By Daily Review Online
France secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Paraguay on Saturday to book their place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Les Bleus were pushed all the way by a disciplined Paraguayan side, with goalkeeper Orlando Gill producing an outstanding display that earned him the Player of the Match award despite his team’s elimination.
After the match, Gill said Paraguay could leave the tournament with pride, insisting they matched France throughout the contest.
“I think we can leave with our heads held high. We gave everything on the pitch,” Gill said. “I believe we could have gone much further had it not been for that penalty, as we controlled the game very well. We didn’t even let them get past us with a single pass.”
France manager Didier Deschamps praised his players for overcoming a physically demanding encounter against the South Americans.
“Playing against South American teams is always tough,” Deschamps said. “The physical nature of the game made it difficult. The heat also affected the intensity, and they defended very well. They committed fouls that went unpunished, but we stayed focused and got the result.”
Captain Kylian Mbappé hailed his side’s determination, dismissing suggestions that France expected an easy contest.
“They thought we’d just turn up in tuxedos, make a few flashy moves and play a few passes,” Mbappé said. “We know how to play rough football too, and that’s exactly what we did today. There is only one way, and that is to win.”
The victory sends France into the World Cup quarterfinals, where they will continue their quest for another global title after surviving a stern test from an impressive Paraguayan side.