NEW YORK: France reach Philadelphia as the World Cup’s strongest attacking side, yet Kylian Mbappe and coach Didier Deschamps stress that praise, statistics and an open route offer no advantage without focus against Paraguay in Saturday’s last-16 match. Les Bleus have taken all four games, scoring 13 goals and conceding two, with Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola claiming 12 of them. A bench featuring Rayan Cherki, Desire Doue and Jean-Philippe Mateta supplies options rivals can only admire. Mbappe stated after scoring twice in a 3-0 win over Sweden that he understands the demands and the squad knows its tasks as a fresh stage opens. Deschamps observed that Paraguay’s victory over Germany was earned, describing them as a typical South American side, physical in challenges, persistent and possessing quality players, adding no team reaches the last 16 by luck. Despite French attention, Paraguay arrive with a defined approach and a lingering grievance from their 1998 last-16 exit to France in Lens, sealed by Laurent Blanc’s golden goal in extra time during the hosts’ title run, when Deschamps served as captain. Former Paraguay forward Miguel Angel Benitez said the team must compete with full commitment yet cannot lose focus even briefly against France’s attack. Heat in Philadelphia may further complicate a contest where France are likely to hold possession and Paraguay to sit deep, save energy and seek openings. Concentration, tactical control and smart use of changes will prove vital. Cherki could serve as a late option for France. The playmaker has seen limited time but offers creativity that may help against a compact defense. For Paraguay the fixture provides a chance to address an old defeat, while for France it tests whether comparisons to historic attacks can be matched with continued discipline.
