France arrives in Philadelphia as the World Cup’s most feared attacking force, having won all four group matches with 13 goals scored and only two conceded. Key players Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, and Bradley Barcola have contributed 12 of those goals.

However, both Mbappe and coach Didier Deschamps have cautioned against complacency ahead of Saturday’s last-16 match against Paraguay. Mbappe stated, “I’m fully aware of what’s at stake, where I am and what I have to do. The team know what they have to do here as well.”

Deschamps highlighted that Paraguay’s earlier victory against Germany was no accident, describing them as a typical South American team, strong in duels and tenacious, with players of great quality. He said, “I’ve watched Paraguay: what they have achieved is no accident.”

Former Paraguay forward Miguel Angel Benitez echoed this sentiment, urging his team to play with heart and soul but warning they cannot afford to lose concentration for even 10 seconds against France’s potent attack, which can punish the smallest lapse.

France’s bench, featuring players like Rayan Cherki, Desire Doue, and Jean-Philippe Mateta, provides Deschamps with strong options. Cherki, despite limited playtime and visible frustration, understands the challenge of competing with teammates in exceptional form.

The Manchester City playmaker Michael Olise has been limited to 55 minutes across four matches but could prove valuable against Paraguay’s expected stubborn defensive approach.

Sources: