With 19 goals in 19 World Cup appearances, Mbappe now trails Messi by just one on the tournament’s all-time scorers list.
Remarkably, since 2018 Mbappe has scored 11 World Cup knockout goals—more than Brazil (10), England (10), Portugal (9) and Spain (4).
Despite netting 13 times across their previous four matches in the United States, France and their captain endured a frustrating first half, failing to register a shot on target.
The heat was a major factor, making this one of the hottest World Cup fixtures ever. According to the National Weather Service, kickoff temperature was 38.3C.
The record remains 43C, set when the Republic of Ireland faced Mexico in Florida in 1994.
Even so, France managed to handle both the conditions and Paraguay’s uncompromising style.
“We can win ugly when we have to,” Mbappe said afterward.
“They thought we’d turn up in tuxedos, but we were ready. Even in that kind of match, we were the better team.
“That’s how they play—there isn’t a single ‘right’ way to do it. They tried to beat us that way, but we got the result.”
Deschamps—now the first coach to record 10 World Cup knockout wins—said he told his players late on to shield Mbappe as Paraguay chased a way back into the game.
“I asked the two biggest lads to stay close to Kylian at the end because they were ready to chop him down,” Deschamps said.
“It wasn’t simple. They used every trick. It’s not the kind of football that fills stadiums, but they defended well. It’s always tough against these South American teams.”
Targeted from the outset, Mbappe kept his composure, responding to Paraguay’s provocation by laughing off their tactics on the pitch.
“I loved how Mbappe carried himself,” Hart said.
“Paraguay went after him from minute one. When he laughed at them, he had earned the right to be a little arrogant.
“The referee offered no help. It’s astonishing that not a single Paraguayan was booked in the 90 minutes.”
Former Germany midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger told BBC One he had “no respect” left for Paraguay after their behavior.
“If you’re from Paraguay, you probably like this team—they’re like warriors,” he said.
“But if you’re French or neutral, you can’t respect them anymore. It wasn’t just disgraceful—it was worse.”