Paraguay 0-1 France ratings: William Saliba excels as Bradley Barcola struggles | OneFootball

William Saliba was France’s standout as they edged Paraguay 1-0 in the World Cup last 16, while Bradley Barcola struggled, according to L'Équipe. Kylian Mbappé settled it with a second-half penalty.

Paraguay’s back five kept France at arm’s length for long spells and keeper Orlando Gill was largely untroubled before the break. Ousmane Dembélé supplied the main threat from the right but the final ball rarely told.

After the interval Mike Maignan’s long pass almost released Mbappé, then Gill tipped aside Manu Koné’s strike. Barcola dragged wide and made way for Désiré Doué on 61 minutes, the substitute fouled for the spot-kick on 65, which Mbappé tucked away on 70.

Saliba read danger superbly, covering behind Dayot Upamecano when required. Jules Koundé and Lucas Digne pushed on without much final product, though Digne was solid defensively and Maignan claimed high balls confidently before a late save.

Koné mixed enterprise with inconsistency and was booked, while Adrien Rabiot offered too little incision. Dembélé faded after a lively start and was replaced by Rayan Cherki on 84 minutes. Michael Olise struggled to influence proceedings and was cautioned, and Barcola’s early booking set the tone for a blunt display.

Didier Deschamps largely kept faith with his starters, delaying changes despite the heat. His first switch, introducing Doué, proved decisive.

Source: L'Équipe