Mbappé: France proved they can match Paraguay’s physical approach

France captain Kylian Mbappé said his side showed they could handle a physical battle after edging Paraguay 1-0 in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 on Saturday to secure a place in the quarter-finals.
Mbappé scored the match-winning goal from the penalty spot in the 70th minute in the sweltering heat of Philadelphia. The strike took his tally to seven goals in the tournament and 19 overall in World Cup history.
The closing stages of the match became increasingly heated as Paraguay's defenders repeatedly attempted to unsettle the French players with aggressive challenges and verbal exchanges.
"We knew what kind of match we were going to face, but I think everything went really well today," Mbappé said after the final whistle.
The Real Madrid forward dismissed suggestions that France would be intimidated by Paraguay's combative style.
"They thought we would come out in tuxedos, as if we were only here to show some beautiful football," he said. "But we also know how to deal with tough, physical situations. That's exactly what we did today. We won, and even in that aspect we were better than them."
Mbappé said the performance demonstrated that France are capable of adapting to different types of matches rather than relying solely on attacking football.
"If we have to fight, we'll fight," he said. "Sorry for saying it like that, but we have no problem with it."
The tension was evident throughout the contest. Before Mbappé took his decisive penalty, several Paraguay players attempted to disrupt the penalty spot and distract the French captain, but he remained composed and converted confidently.
Commenting on Paraguay's tactics, Mbappé said every team has its own identity.
"That's their football. That's how they play," he said. "There is no good or bad style in football. The only thing that matters is winning. They tried to impose themselves on us that way, but we matched them and came out on top. Now we're through to the next round."
France will face Morocco in the quarter-finals in Boston on Friday in a repeat of the 2022 World Cup semi-final.
"We know they are a very good team," Mbappé said. "We're really looking forward to playing them, and we'll give everything we have to reach the next stage."
MMR