France and Paraguay battling each other and extreme Philadelphia heat in World Cup clash

PHILADELPHIA — On the nation’s 250th anniversary, in the city where the United States was born, it was fitting that the weather for France’s Round of 16 showdown with Paraguay could be easily summed up by a line from the tune “Sit Down, John” from the Broadway play “1776.” “It’s hot as hell in Philadelphia!” Temperatures were expected to hit highs around 100 degrees Saturday, and it had already reached 99 degrees two hours before kickoff at Lincoln Financial Field.There had been some concern ahead of the match that the extreme heat that was smothering the East Coast would impact the start time of the match, but the weather didn’t stop the large and enthusiastic French contingent that made their way to the City of Brotherly Love. Saturday’s match is expected to end up being one of the hottest World Cup matches in the tournament’s history. The extreme heat wasn’t too much of a shock to French manager Didier Deschamps, who had been in the United States for the Club World Cup last summer.

The Club World Cup had several matches impacted by weather conditions, which included extreme heat that traditionally hits in the summer months. “I was with [France assistant coach] Guy Stephan at the final and semifinal of the Club World Cup,” Deschamps said Friday ahead of the match.“We were in the stadium.

We saw that it was quite hot, and we could discuss.And it did have an impact.

Now, is this good for the players’ health as soon as there are extreme conditions, whether it’s heat or cold or a hard pitch? It’s not ideal.But we didn’t choose, so we adapt and we anticipate.”  Built for match days and everyday wear, this officially licensed USMNT tee brings classic national pride wherever you go.

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