CORNERFLICK
Kylian Mbappé criticised Paraguay after France’s 1-0 win sent them into the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup, saying the opposition “did not want to play football”.
Mbappé scored the decisive penalty in the 70th minute, taking his tally to seven goals at the tournament and 19 in World Cup finals overall. His strike settled a tight match and booked France’s place in the last eight.
After the game, the France captain said his side had shown they can handle a physical contest as well as a more open one. He said they were prepared for a difficult, combative night and felt France were the better team.
Mbappé also said France are not just an attacking side and can adapt to different styles. Looking ahead to the quarter-final against Morocco, he said there is no single correct way to play, only a correct result, and added that France are eager to face a strong opponent.