🎥 Heat and dark arts galore! Stars settle Copa-26 Liberta clash | OneFootball

There was no shortage of heat in Philadelphia this Saturday (4). 

The 38°C temperature made for a tense atmosphere even before the ball started rolling at Lincoln Financial Field.

France lacked sparkle in the first half against a Paraguay side that was very solid without the ball.

But Doué came off the bench and won a penalty.

And he, Mbappé, secured another 1-0 win for France over La Albirroja at the World Cup — just like in the round of 16 in 1998.

France did not dominate on the pitch, but they remain perfect. And now they will face Morocco in the quarterfinals. 

It will be a rematch after the semifinals of the last edition. 

Check out the highlights soon. 

A 'different' kind of match for France

Paraguay did nothing with the ball in the first half.

Whether because of the lack of numbers going forward or the lack of patience to work the best play, the ball seemed to burn at their feet.

But they behaved perfectly when France tried — unsuccessfully — to "be France."

The greater possession and attacking volume had no effect. It led Koné and Rabiot to try shots from outside the box.

The lines of four and five players set up by Alfaro neutralized Deschamps' men. 

Complete with time-wasting and that Libertadores-style edge.

The first half produced a total of zero shots on target. Something that had not happened in a knockout match since France vs. Brazil in 2006.

The talent that made the difference 🔥

Kone (54') produced the first shot on target of the game — forcing Orlando Gil into a fine save.

France picked up the pace after the break.

Doué was brought on and, at last, France unlocked the Guaraní defense when he was brought down in the box.

Mbappé converted the penalty and celebrated his 19th World Cup goal. 

The top scorer of the current edition alongside Messi. 

The tension rose in the closing stretch of the match — with ten minutes of stoppage time.

Paraguay — now more attacking-minded — tried to chase the game.

But only Mauricio's effort posed any real danger.

And Mbappé, in search of his 20th World Cup goal, saw Gil make the difference twice.

France found an opponent willing to do anything to defend and had to suffer.

But their talent made the difference. 

What now? 📅

France and Morocco will face off next Thursday (9) in Boston in the quarterfinals. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. Brasília time. 

The winner will face Portugal, Spain, the United States, or Belgium in the semifinals.

Paraguay, meanwhile, is heading home after ending its long World Cup drought — its last appearance had been in 2010 — and making it out of the group stage after being blown away in the opening round. 

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

📸 JEWEL SAMAD - AFP or licensors