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France battled past Paraguay to record a tense 1-0 victory in an ill-tempered affair in Philadelphia.

Paraguay did everything they could to disrupt France’s rhythm through aggression and defensive solidity.

It worked in the first half, with France failing to record a shot on target and not managing an effort of any note until the 22nd minute — their longest wait for an attempt in a World Cup knockout match since Opta records began in 1966.

Ultimately, though, their quality told. Kylian Mbappe swept a 70th-minute penalty into the bottom corner to seal the win and score his seventh goal of the tournament, despite Paraguayan defender Gustavo Velazquez’s attempt to scuff the penalty spot.

France gritted their teeth in the face of an uncompromising opponent, triumphing without producing their usual free-flowing attacking football.