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Paraguay head coach Gustavo Alfaro firmly rejected claims that members of his team or coaching staff hurled insults at France manager Didier Deschamps and his late mother, following their defeat to Les Bleus in the World Cup Round of 16.

A single second-half penalty from Kylian Mbappe proved decisive as France, one of the tournament favourites, secured a 1-0 win in the intense heat of Philadelphia to advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face Morocco.

Deschamps had been forced to return home during the group stage of the tournament to mourn the passing of his mother, missing France’s 4-1 victory over Norway. He resumed his duties for the 3-0 Round of 32 triumph over Sweden and was again on the touchline as France clashed with Paraguay, who had earlier stunned Germany with a knockout-stage upset.

Throughout the match, Paraguay employed aggressive tactics that often disrupted France’s rhythm, with tempers flaring as the contest wore on. Mbappe found himself at the centre of multiple confrontations, while teammates Adrien Rabiot, Jules Kounde, and Michael Olise also endured a series of rough challenges.

After the final whistle, Deschamps revealed in his post-match press conference that he had been subjected to personal insults during the game, saying, “I could have done without the insults on the bench. Especially some of them.”

Alfaro, however, categorically denied any such misconduct from his camp. “No, absolutely not. You can’t sink that low in football. Never,” he stated. “I thought you were referring to what happened between the players during the match. I have great respect and admiration for him.”

He added, “Yes, there were disputes, particularly over VAR decisions — some wanted penalties, others disagreed. But I never heard any such insults. Knowing my staff, I’m certain none of them would behave that way.”

Alfaro continued, “Football isn’t war. I won’t apologise for something that, as far as I know, didn’t occur. I completely oppose that kind of behaviour. If I had heard such remarks, I would have reacted instantly. It’s unacceptable, and I am entirely against it.”

The Paraguayan coach also noted that he sought out Deschamps immediately after the match to wish him success for the remainder of the tournament. “The first thing I did after the final whistle was to find Didier Deschamps. I congratulated him and wished him the best in reaching the final and becoming world champion. I had already told him before the match that he has a fantastic team.”

Referee Ilgiz Tantashev of Uzbekistan came under heavy scrutiny for his officiating, as he issued three yellow cards to French players but none to Paraguay, despite their physical approach. One flashpoint saw Gustavo Valazquez appear to kick out at Mbappe, leaving the French forward on the ground, though no action was taken. River Plate midfielder Matias Galarza was also involved in a couple of contentious moments, catching Mbappe in the first half and later bringing down Kounde during a Paraguay counterattack.

France will now prepare for their quarter-final showdown against Morocco in Boston on Thursday evening.