Former Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic praised France for maintaining composure during their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash against Paraguay, stating that Didier Deschamps' side successfully resisted provocation and responded by winning the match 1-0.
Ibrahimovic on France's Discipline
Speaking in a video shared by FOX Sports after France's victory, Ibrahimovic highlighted the unique challenge posed by Paraguay's tactics. "It was a different challenge for them today. It was more about not getting provoked, staying composed, staying calm, not losing your balance, and not falling for the trick that they were doing, Paraguay," Ibrahimovic said.
The former Swedish international admitted he would have struggled to keep his cool under similar circumstances. "I would get four red cards in this game. But yes, it is what it is, and I like to play it... I like to play the real game. I don't like it when somebody tries to provoke you. But it's part of the game, and it's not part of the game," he added.
France's Response to Provocation
Ibrahimovic commended France's calm approach throughout the contest. "But France, they showed calm, they were relaxed, they did what they needed to do. They smiled at them. That's the best way to respond: smile, score goals, win the game, go with your fans now and celebrate. That's the best way to respond," he said in the FOX Sports video.
France secured the victory with a second-half penalty from Kylian Mbappe, which proved decisive in the tight contest. Paraguay, despite their elimination, earned praise for a disciplined defensive display and a resilient tournament run that included a shock victory over Germany in the previous round.
Match Details and Impact
The Round of 16 match, played in Philadelphia, saw France advance to the quarterfinals. Paraguay's World Cup campaign ended with a narrow 1-0 defeat, but their performance earned respect from observers. Ibrahimovic's comments underscored the mental fortitude required at the highest level of international football.
