Soccer
Paraguay vs. France player ratings: Which players starred as Les Bleus moved on?
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France advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals, but not without sweating through 70 minutes of Paraguay's stubborn resistance at Philadelphia Stadium.
Kylian Mbappé's penalty, awarded after VAR reviewed Diego Gómez's foul on substitute Désiré Doué, proved the only breakthrough against a disciplined defensive block.
Paraguay's low-possession approach held the tournament favourites scoreless from open play, with Orlando Gill's late double save on Mbappé underlining how close they came to forcing extra time.
DAZN News rates each set of players and our player of the match:
Paraguay vs. France Player of the Match
Kylian Mbappé (France)
Mbappé delivered when France needed him most, converting the 70th-minute penalty that separated the sides.
The captain sent Orlando Gill the wrong way, stroking the ball into the bottom-right corner to reach seven tournament goals.
He also forced Gill into two brilliant close-range saves in the closing stages after controlling a pass and pouncing on his own rebound.
His composure under constant provocation from Paraguayan defenders set the tone as France saw out a tense victory.
Paraguay vs. France Player Ratings
Paraguay
Orlando Gill (7.4): Denied Mbappé twice late on with brilliant close-range saves.
Juan José Cáceres (6.9): Engaged in tactical fouling and disrupted France's rhythm throughout.
Gustavo Velázquez (7.0): Seven first-half clearances anchored Paraguay's resolute defensive display.
Gustavo Gómez (6.8): Captained the backline with composure as Paraguay frustrated France.
Omar Alderete (6.4): Started despite injury concerns but was forced off at 58'.
Júnior Alonso (6.7): Combined defensive duties with set-piece deliveries and a blocked shot.
Diego Gómez (5.5): Conceded the decisive penalty foul on Doué inside the area.
Andrés Cubas (7.3): Won seven ground duels and disrupted French passing combinations tirelessly.
Matías Galarza Fonda (6.5): Provided midfield cover and doubled up effectively on the flanks.
Miguel Almirón (6.3): Creative outlet but largely contained by France's midfield press.
Julio Enciso (5.9): Isolated against physical centre-backs and withdrawn at 61'.
José Canale (6.4): Slotted in for Alderete and maintained Paraguay's defensive shape.
Gustavo Caballero (6.1): Pressed with energy after arriving but had limited touches.
Mauricio (6.2): Delivered set pieces late on; shot lacked power to trouble Maignan.
Gabriel Ávalos (5.8): Offered aerial presence but fouled Upamecano in the box.
France
Mike Maignan (6.8): Comfortable evening behind France's dominant possession; made routine saves.
Jules Koundé (7.0): Overlapped consistently and maintained defensive discipline throughout.
Dayot Upamecano (7.0): Provided physical presence; blocked Alonso's shot and recovered well.
William Saliba (7.1): Composed throughout; made a vital block on Almirón's chance.
Lucas Digne (6.8): Provided width on the left and linked well in build-up.
Adrien Rabiot (6.7): Two shots flew over the bar; struggled to unlock the defence.
Manu Koné (6.9): Showed attacking intent with multiple shots; forced Gill into a save.
Michael Olise (7.2): Creative presence and dangerous set-piece delivery; booked late on.
Ousmane Dembélé (6.8): Posed a threat with direct running but lacked end product.
Bradley Barcola (5.8): Booked early and struggled before being replaced at 61'.
Kylian Mbappé (8.2): Converted the decisive penalty and forced two late saves from Gill.
Désiré Doué (7.8): Won the penalty with superb dribbling; immediate impact off the bench.
Rayan Cherki (6.5): Showed direct running in closing stages while France protected lead.
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