A 70th minute penalty from Kylian Mbappé broke the deadlock as France advanced to the round of 16 with a 1-0 win over Paraguay on Saturday night.
Paraguay committed 13 fouls to France’s 11, but escaped without a single yellow card while their opponents received three.
France were ruthlessly kicked and abused throughout the game as Paraguay failed to create any chances that would see them draw level with Les Bleus.
Ibrahimovic would not have controlled himself
Speaking after the game Ibrahimovic revealed that he would not have been so level-headed as the French stars who controlled themselves on the night.
"It was a different challenge for them today," he said. "It was more about not being provocated, to stay composed, stay calm, don't lose your balance. And don't fall for the tricks that they were doing."
"I would get four red cards in this game! And maybe send somebody to... but yes, it is what it is.
"I like to play the real game. I don't like somebody trying to provocate. But it's part of the game, and it's not part of the game.
"France, they showed calm, they were relaxed. They did what they needed to do. They gave them a smile. 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."
Mbappé also spoke once the final whistle blew and revealed that he and his side are not afraid to go to war on the pitch:
“We’ve shown we’re not just a team that knows how to play attacking football,” he said. “If we have to get our hands dirty, we will do it. They thought we’d show up in tuxedos to play, but we know how to play dirty football too. We won and we were better than them.”