Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gil explains post-match drama Kylian Mbappe The France captain admitted he “lost his temper” after France skipper ignored his attempt to shake hands following France’s 1-0 win over Paraguay in the World Cup last 16.The tense match at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field was one of the most physical and testy at the World Cup, with Mbappe repeatedly the target of Paraguay’s aggressive attacks. Despite constant challenges and altercations throughout the match, the France captain remained calm and eventually scored the winning penalty in the 70th minute. The controversy continued after the final whistle as the players lined up to shake hands in the customary post-match manner. Television cameras captured Gill reaching out to Mbappe, only for the France captain to walk past and celebrate with teammates and supporters. Moments later, a frustrated Gill threw the ball at Mbappe, hitting him in the back.“I tried to shake his hand, but because he ignored me, I lost my temper,” Gill said after the game, according to the Associated Press. “But I did it anyway; I calmed down after that.”Mbappe seemed unfazed by the incident, having already played a decisive role in ensuring France reached the quarter-finals. The striker converted from the penalty spot after a VAR review determined that Diego Gomez had fouled Desire Douai in the penalty area.Given the intensity of the match, Mbappe insists France are ready for Paraguay’s physical tactics.“We know what kind of game it will be,” Mbappe said in French. “We can also get our hands dirty, we know what to do. We know how to play ugly football. I guess they thought we were going to show up in tuxedos, but we were ready.”The game was played in a sweltering environment with temperatures approaching 38 degrees Celsius. Mbappe was fouled many times and had many confrontations. Paraguay’s Andres Cubas and Matias Gallarza were among the players who clashed with the France captain during the match.France coach Didier Deschamps admitted Paraguay’s tactics and weather conditions posed challenges.“Given our style of play, it’s difficult to achieve high intensity,” Deschamps said.The victory extended France’s perfect record at this World Cup to five wins in five games, with France outscoring their opponents 14-2 so far. Deschamps also welcomed the tough test his side face against Paraguay.“As I said to the players, we’ve had easy games so far, so it’s good to have a difficult game,” Deschamps said.France will now face Morocco in the quarter-finals as they continue their bid to regain the World Cup trophy they last won in 2018.
