For 90 minutes in Philadelphia, France had to endure something they hadn't faced all tournament: a team willing to do whatever it took to stop them, even if it meant crossing the line. Paraguay's players kicked, elbowed, scuffed the penalty spot, and crowded the referee — and not one of them received a yellow card. The match became a masterclass in what football calls 'the dark arts'.
The 'dark arts' refer to a set of cynical, unsportsmanlike tactics used to disrupt an opponent's rhythm, waste time, or provoke a reaction — often without drawing a booking. In this World Cup round-of-16 clash, Paraguay employed nearly every trick in the book. Defender Gustavo Velazquez tried to scuff the penalty spot before Kylian Mbappe's decisive spot-kick. Matias Galarza put his hand in Jules Kounde's face. Gabriel Avalos dropped an elbow into Dayot Upamecano's ribs. Yet referee Ilgiz Tantashev, criticised for being too weak, did not book a single Paraguay player. Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart called their behaviour "an absolute disgrace" on BBC One, adding: "If they were on my team, I'd be dragging them off the pitch."
“An explainer on football's 'dark arts' tactics, using the controversial France v Paraguay World Cup match.”
The tactic is not new. For decades, teams have used 'gamesmanship' to slow down play, break up attacking moves, and frustrate superior opponents. In the UK, it's often associated with lower-league sides trying to hold on against Premier League giants, or with international minnows facing a football powerhouse. The difference here was the sheer volume and variety of offences — from time-wasting at throw-ins to deliberate physical clashes — combined with the referee's leniency. Paraguay had already knocked out Germany on penalties, gaining neutral affection, but the dark arts turned that goodwill sour.
For UK readers, the dark arts matter because they are part of everyday football culture, from the Premier League to Sunday league. They raise questions about refereeing consistency, player discipline, and the spirit of the game. When a team like France — who have Mbappe, a player often accused of arrogance — is targeted, it sparks debate: is it clever gamesmanship or outright cheating? Former England defender Micah Richards said Paraguay were "better than that", while former Scotland winger Pat Nevin noted "every single dark art you can use" was on display.
Key questions answered:
Q: What exactly are the 'dark arts' in football? They are cynical tactics used to disrupt play, waste time, or provoke opponents without necessarily breaking the rules. Examples include scuffing the penalty spot, delaying restarts, faking injury, and making small fouls or niggling challenges that don't earn a booking.
Q: Why do teams use the dark arts? To unsettle a superior opponent, break their flow, or protect a lead. Paraguay, a smaller football nation, knew they couldn't outplay France, so they tried to intimidate and frustrate them — a strategy that nearly worked before Mbappe's penalty.
Q: Are these tactics effective? They can be, but they risk backlash. France kept their composure — Mbappe even laughed at Paraguay's players — and ultimately won. The dark arts often backfire if the referee cracks down, but in this match, leniency allowed Paraguay to push further.
What happens next: France advance to face Morocco in the quarter-finals on Thursday, while Paraguay head home. The debate over how referees should handle such tactics will continue, especially as the World Cup enters its knockout stages. FIFA may review officiating standards, but for now, the dark arts remain a contentious, enduring part of football.