Mbappe penalty sends France past Paraguay into World Cup quarterfinals

World Cup favourites France are through to the last eight after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Paraguay in Philadelphia, courtesy of a second-half penalty from Kylian Mbappe. The Paris Saint-Germain superstar stepped up in the 63rd minute to convert from the spot after a handball in the box, giving Didier Deschamps' side the breakthrough they desperately needed against a disciplined and resilient Paraguay outfit. Paraguay defended deep and in numbers, frustrating the French attack for long stretches. Les Bleus dominated possession but struggled to carve out clear chances until the decisive moment. Paraguay rarely threatened at the other end but nearly snatched an equalizer late on, only for a last-ditch block to preserve France's slender lead. The result books France's place in the quarterfinal, where they will face another tough test, but their quality and depth once again proved enough on the big stage.