Paraguay media proud after 1-0 France loss, but VAR penalty sparks frustration | OneFootball

Paraguay exited the World Cup with pride at home, yet frustration centred on the VAR-awarded penalty that sealed France’s 1-0 win. According to ABC and La Nacion, the team matched a heavyweight and left with credit.

Gustavo Alfaro’s plan was widely praised, with reports saying the first-half approach almost worked to perfection and that, even after falling behind, France did not overwhelmingly dominate.

La Nacion highlighted that Paraguay executed the plan without especially rough football and underlined the side’s South American intensity and Guarani grit, a reading not shared by members of the French camp.

Refereeing was largely viewed as correct and consistent, with Uzbek official Ilgiz Tantashev letting the game flow. The exception, several noted, was the decisive spot kick given after a VAR review led by Chilean Juan Lara. Alfaro later suggested the on-field call had initially been right before the intervention.

Messages of support poured in. President Santiago Pena congratulated the players, praised their spirit and tenacity, and even labelled them warriors.

Supporters voiced anger over the penalty awarded for a foul on Désiré Doué, while others argued Paraguay were among France’s sternest tests. One fan claimed FIFA favours were at play and aimed a jibe at Kylian Mbappé. Another felt this display merited more recognition, and even progression, than the win over Germany in the previous round.

Source: L'Équipe