Philadelphia, July 5 -- Captain Kylian Mbappe once again proved to be France's match-winner, calmly converting a second-half penalty to steer Les Bleus to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Paraguay and into the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup after a fiercely contested Round of 16 clash at Lincoln Financial Field here.
The narrow scoreline scarcely reflected France's dominance, as the former champions controlled possession for long spells and repeatedly searched for a way through Paraguay's disciplined defensive wall.
The South Americans defended with grit and determination, frustrating Didier Deschamps' side for more than an hour before a moment of quality finally broke the deadlock.
The decisive breakthrough arrived in the 70th minute...