Paraguay’s Frustrating Tactics Against France Ignite Debate

Paraguay frustrated France in a 1-0 World Cup clash in Philadelphia by deploying a stubborn, defensive plan and a wave of gamesmanship, prompting a debate over whether the tactics were disgraceful or a legitimate underdog approach. Mbappé’s second-half penalty settled it, while the referee’s leniency and Paraguay’s theatrics drew heavy criticism even as their disciplined containment of the world champions highlighted a different way to win.