France ready for ‘war’ at World Cup after ‘disgraceful’ Paraguay tactics

France’s World Cup journey continues after a hard-fought victory against Paraguay, a match that was as much a test of their temperament as their skill. Kylian Mbappe and his teammates emerged victorious, but the encounter was overshadowed by what many described as unsportsmanlike and frustrating tactics employed by the Paraguayan side.

The ‘Disgrace’ of Philadelphia

Following the match, a palpable sense of defiance and readiness for future challenges emanated from the French camp. “Today we showed that whoever wants to go to war against us we’re ready to go to war as well,” declared one French player, encapsulated by the team’s intense celebrations. For 70 minutes, Paraguay employed a stifling approach, frustrating France with disciplined organization, concentration, and a significant amount of gamesmanship.

The breakthrough finally came via a penalty converted by Kylian Mbappe, earned after a foul on substitute Desire Doue. However, even after conceding, Paraguay continued to employ tactics that tested the patience of the French players and officials. Actions such as scuffing the penalty spot and attempting to deceive the referee for cards were noted.

Pundit Reactions

The Paraguayan approach drew strong criticism from football analysts. Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart described their players as an “absolute disgrace” on the BBC, stating he would never want to win or play football in such a manner. Zlatan Ibrahimovic echoed this sentiment, suggesting Paraguay deserved red cards, while Thierry Henry offered a brief but pointed remark: “Football won. I don’t want to talk about Paraguay.”

Refereeing Controversies

A significant point of contention was the referee’s perceived leniency towards Paraguay. Despite the South American team’s aggressive and often unsportsmanlike play, they received zero yellow cards, a remarkable statistic for a World Cup game. In contrast, France was shown three yellow cards for what were described as relatively minor infringements. This disparity led to questions about the referee’s control of the match and the application of disciplinary measures.

France’s Response

Despite the provocations, the French team, led by Didier Deschamps, managed to maintain their composure. Deschamps commented that Paraguay had used “every trick in the book” and endured insults from the opposition bench. Mbappe himself noted the team’s ability to adapt, stating, “We showed that we are not only a team who plays flashy attacking football. If we have to put our hands in the s*, we will put our hands in the s*.” He emphasized that football is not just about elegant play but also about resilience and fighting for results.

Key facts

The French victory, while securing their progression, highlighted a broader discussion about the spirit of the game and the balance between competitive intensity and fair play. The team’s ability to navigate such challenges will be crucial as they advance deeper into the tournament.

Source: The Athletic Football – https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7422404/2026/07/04/france-world-cup-paraguay-disgrace-war/