"We know how to play dirty football too": Mbappe hails France's grit after tense win over Paraguay
Pennsylvania, July 5
France captain Kylian Mbappe said his side proved they are capable of winning ugly as well as playing attractive football after Les Bleus ground out a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Paraguay to reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals.
Speaking to the host broadcasters after the match, Mbappe said, "I think we knew what kind of match we were going to have, but I think today it's very good. The match we had, how we played it. We showed that we weren't just a team that knew how to play offensive football. If we have to get our hands dirty ('put our hands in the sh*t), we're going to get our hands dirty, sorry for the expression. We don't have a problem with that."
He added, "They thought we were going to come playing in tuxedos, that we were just going to come and do beautiful moves, one-twos. We know how to play dirty football, too. And we did it today, we won, and even in that, we were better than them."
Mbappe's comments came after France were pushed to their limits by a disciplined Paraguay side in a fiery Round of 16 contest at Lincoln Financial Field. Having cruised through the group stage, Didier Deschamps' men found themselves in a bruising encounter in which Paraguay frustrated them for long periods with organised defending and relentless pressing.
France enjoyed the lion's share of possession but failed to register a shot on target in the opening half, which became only the third FIFA World Cup knockout match since 1966 to reach the interval without either side managing an effort on target.
The game also featured several flashpoints. Tempers flared midway through the first half after Mbappe reacted to a challenge from Andres Cubas, triggering a mass confrontation between players from both teams. France ended the match with three yellow cards, while Paraguay escaped without a booking.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 66th minute after substitute Desire Doue dazzled his way past three defenders before being brought down inside the penalty area by Diego Gomez.
As Paraguay players attempted to delay the restart and crowded around Ousmane Dembele, believing he would take the penalty, Dembele instead left the kick for Mbappe. The France captain calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner to score the only goal of the match.
Paraguay pressed for an equaliser late on, while Mbappe was denied a second goal in stoppage time by an excellent double save from goalkeeper Orlando Gill. After the final whistle, Gill attempted to shake Mbappe's hand, but the French skipper walked past him and continued celebrating with his teammates.
The narrow victory sends France into the quarter-finals, where they will take on Morocco as they continue their quest for a third FIFA World Cup crown.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, not impressed by the "walking past the handshake" bit. Gill came to congratulate him after a hard-fought match. That's poor sportsmanship from a captain. We Indians value respect - even in our fiercest rivalries, we shake hands after the match. Mbappe needs to grow up.
As someone who grew up watching our local football in Kerala, I know what "dirty football" means. France deserved that win - you can't always play tiki-taka. Sometimes you need to defend for your life and take your chances. That's how our local clubs win state championships. Kudos to Mbappe for being honest! 😄
Classic World Cup knockout football. Paraguay played brilliantly but there's a reason France are champions. That Deschamps defensive solidity is something else. Looking forward to France vs Morocco - that'll be a proper battle.
Mbappe's comments remind me of how we Indians talk about our cricket team. Sometimes you need to "get your hands dirty" like our bowlers do on flat pitches. But walking past the handshake? That left a bad taste. He could have at least acknowledged Gill's effort. Sportsmanship matters, yaar.
I love how Mbappe isn't afraid to speak his mind. That's the kind of leadership we need more of. France showed they can win ugly - that's what separates good teams from great ones. But please, captain, next time shake the goalkeeper's hand! We Indians always say "haath milao, dil se" (shake hands from the heart).
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