🎥 Heat and dark arts galore! Stars decide Copa-26 Liberta clash

🎥 Heat and dark arts galore! Stars decide Copa-26 Liberta clash 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 spark in the first half against a Paraguay side that was solid without the ball. But Doué came off the bench to win a penalty. And he, Mbappé, secured another 1-0 win for France over La Albirroja in the World Cup — just like in the round of 16 in 1998. France did not cruise 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 game for France Paraguay did nothing with the ball in the first half. Whether because of the smaller number of players committed to attack or the lack of patience to build the best move, 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 only led Koné and Rabiot to try their luck from outside the box. The lines of four and five players set up by Alfaro neutralized Deschamps’ men.  With all the gamesmanship and that Libertadores-type 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 game's first shot on target — forcing Orlando Gil into a good save. France stepped it up 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.  Top scorer of the current edition alongside Messi.  The tension rose late in the game — with ten minutes of stoppage time. Paraguay — now more attack-minded — tried to chase the game. But only Mauricio’s shot posed any real danger. And Mbappé, chasing his 20th World Cup goal, saw Gil make the difference twice. France found an opponent willing to do anything to defend and suffered. But their talent made the difference.  What now? 📅 France and Morocco will face each other next Thursday (9) in Boston in the quarterfinals. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. Brasília time.  Whoever advances will face Portugal, Spain, the United States, or Belgium in the semifinals. Paraguay, meanwhile, are heading home after ending their long World Cup absence — their last appearance had been in 2010 — and making it through 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.