France secured a crucial victory against Paraguay in a tense round of 16, claiming a 1-0 lead in Lens, France, on June 28th, 1998.
Featuring
France
Paraguay
Jan 23, 2026 · 09:00 FIFA World Cup 1998 🕒︎ 1 min read EN

The stage was Stade Félix-Bollaert in Lens, France , where the French squad faced Paraguay . The initial period of the match was a battle of attrition, with both teams struggling to establish a foothold. Paraguay initially dominated possession, but France's defensive organization proved resilient.

The French team started strong, controlling the midfield and creating opportunities. However, Paraguay's persistence and a series of skillful attacks ultimately led to a goal.

José Luis Chilavert scored the opening goal for Paraguay in the 19th minute, capitalizing on a mistake in the French defense. This early goal shook the French team, leading to a shift in momentum.", 114' FRA: Laurent Blanc

· · ·

The match continued with a back-and-forth battle. The French team's relentless pressure finally paid off in the 114th minute when Laurent Blanc scored a stunning goal, leveling the score. The crowd erupted in Lens as the French team celebrated.

The second half saw Paraguay attempting to mount a comeback, but France's defense held firm. The match was a hard-fought affair with a decisive French victory.

Paulo César Carpegiani's tactical approach was evident, focusing on controlling the midfield and preventing Paraguay from creating clear-cut chances. The French players responded effectively.

Paulo César Carpegiani's tactical approach was evident, focusing on controlling the midfield and preventing Paraguay from creating clear-cut chances.

· · ·

The match was a significant moment in the tournament, showcasing the French team's attacking prowess. The tactical adjustments made by Carpegiani proved crucial.

The referee was not officially assigned, a standard practice during the tournament.

The match concluded with a 1-0 victory for France, marking a crucial step in their journey to the final.

Share Copied
💬︎
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.
This site uses cookies and localStorage for authentication, preferences, and gameplay. No third-party tracking. Privacy Policy