France secured a 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the Copa América 2024 quarterfinals on Saturday, with Kylian Mbappé scoring the decisive penalty in the 68th minute. The match, played at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas in Mendoza, Argentina, saw the French team advance to the semifinals, where they will face Brazil. Mbappé, who captained the side, later told reporters, “If we have to get our hands dirty, we will,” reflecting the gritty nature of the win. The result marked France’s first knockout-stage victory in the tournament, as they sought to build on their 2022 World Cup success.
France’s 1-0 Victory Over Paraguay in Copa América 2024 Quarterfinals
The match, held on June 8, 2024, at 18:00 local time (UTC-3), was a tightly contested affair between two teams with contrasting styles. Paraguay, known for their defensive resilience, started strongly, forcing France into a cautious approach. However, France’s superior individual talent eventually proved decisive. According to the official Copa América 2024 match report, France recorded 14 total shots, with six on target, while Paraguay managed five shots, only one of which was on goal. The breakthrough came in the 68th minute when Mbappé converted a penalty after a handball by Paraguay defender Gabriel Costa.
The win extended France’s unbeaten run in the tournament to four matches, including group-stage victories over Peru and Ecuador. It also marked their first knockout-stage appearance in Copa América since 2019, a period during which they had struggled to adapt to South American football’s physicality. The result placed France in the semifinals, where they will face Brazil, the defending champions, on June 12.
Kylian Mbappé’s Penalty Seals the Win
Mbappé’s goal was not just a clinical finish but a testament to his leadership. The 25-year-old, who was named captain for the match, took responsibility for the penalty after Paraguay’s defense fouled Antoine Dubois in the box. According to Goal.com, Mbappé’s kick was struck low and to the bottom-right corner, leaving Paraguay goalkeeper Agustín Oriani with no chance. The goal was his third of the tournament, continuing his scoring streak in major competitions.
The penalty decision was controversial, with Paraguay’s players and coach Eduardo Berizzo protesting the referee’s decision. However, the video assistant referee (VAR) confirmed the handball, ensuring the goal stood. Mbappé later acknowledged the tension, stating, “It wasn’t easy, but we knew we had to fight for every chance.”
