World Cup Round of 16 begins this weekend
CALEB PEREZ | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 months, 3 weeks AGO
The Seattle Stadium a few hours before the USA verse Australia FIFA World Cup match on June 19. The stadium will host a Round of 16 game Monday when the USA faces Belgium at 5 p.m. PT.
KEN SMITH/COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD
MOSES LAKE — The World Cup heads into the round of 16 starting early July 4 with a number of highly anticipated matchups coming throughout the weekend. See below five of the matchups slated to be played this weekend.
Canada vs. Morocco – July 4 at 10 a.m.
After coming off their 1-0 victory over South Africa in the Round of 32, Canada prepares to head to Houston, Texas to play Morocco. Morocco, who is the favorite to win as of Thursday afternoon, is heading into the Round of 16 after a close victory in penalty kicks over the Netherlands where Morocco edged out 1(3) - 1(2).
Paraguay vs. France – July 4 at 2 p.m.
Playing on the mainstage in the birthplace of the United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Independence Day is Paraguay and France.
Paraguay enters the round of 16 after a 1(4)-1(3) upset over Germany Monday and is looking to do the same Saturday. France prepares to face off against Paraguay after earning a dominant 3-0 victory Tuesday over Sweden.
Brazil vs. Norway – July 5 at 1 p.m.
Two juggernauts of the World Cup, Brazil and Norway, are set to face off at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford Sunday afternoon. The win probability is split close between the two with Brazil just slightly favored to win.
After a 2-1 victory over Japan Monday, Brazil remains the top team in Group C with a 3-2 record. With their 2-1 victory over Côte d'Ivoire Tuesday, Norway sits just under France in Group I with a record of 3-2.
Mexico vs. England – July 5 at 5 p.m.
One of the premier matches of the weekend between two countries who have a strong identity with the sport, Mexico and England are set to face off with a close split between who is favored to win. As of Thursday afternoon, England is just barely favored to win over Mexico.
Mexico, the top team in Group A, hosts their round of 16 match in Mexico City after breaking a 40- year knockout drought with a 2-0 victory over Ecuador Tuesday. England, the top team in Group L, looks to continue their run in the World Cup after earning a 2-1 victory over DR Congo Wednesday afternoon.
USA vs. Belgium – July 6 at 5 p.m.
Seattle will be bustling with World Cup excitement Monday as Team USA faces Belgium in the Round of 16. This matchup is a tight split with both teams being evenly favored to win as of Thursday afternoon.
The USA is coming off a strong 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina Wednesday evening as they prepare to continue their run through the World Cup as the top team in Group D. Belgium, who is sitting at the top of Group G, remains in Seattle after a close 3-2 victory over Senegal in extra time Wednesday.
Those in the Columbia Basin heading to Seattle to watch Team USA in the Round of 16 Monday evening are reminded to be safe but have a great time supporting the home team.
ARTICLES BY CALEB PEREZ
Knights win in overtime shootout against Naches
ROYAL CITY — The Royal Knights girls soccer team (6-0-1) had a tight game against Naches Valley (5-1-1) Tuesday evening that came down to a penalty kick shootout that the Knights won 6-5. Though the game was ruled as a tie in official standings, winning the PKs brought excitement for the team. "We played hard and we never gave up," said Knights junior Sarah Bergeson who shot the final PK. "We're proud of us." The game was a defensive battle from the beginning with Naches making an early shot on goal that was stopped by Knights freshman goalkeeper Areli Romero. Following this, Royal gained possession of the ball and proceeded to apply pressure on the opposing goal for a majority of the half.
Knights fall in five-set match against Naches Valley
ROYAL CITY — The Royal Knights volleyball team (0-6) had a tough battle at home against Naches Valley Tuesday night as they fell 3-2 in the five-set game. "The first two sets were definitely rough," said Knights senior Graycie Kast. "We didn't have a lot of energy starting off, but that third set, we got our energy back and just started having fun and the game just came to us." The Knights fell behind early in the first set as they struggled to score, giving Naches Valley an advantage. Royal began to find momentum as the set went on to cut into the deficit, but Naches Valley remained dominant on the court to win 25-12.
Tigers girls XC takes first at Apple Ridge
EPHRATA— The Ephrata Tigers had a successful day at the Apple Ridge Run Invite Saturday as the boys took third overall, while the girls took first out of 20 schools that competed. Tigers Head Coach Lyndsy Roberts said he was very proud of the way his athletes performed in the early season meet. "Our girls showed up and competed," said Roberts. "They didn't back down from the competition and proved they are going to be a team to watch this year. Winning this meet was a big step for the program." The Apple Ridge meet had a unique scoring format with three different race courses with two athletes scoring on each course, Roberts said. This gives a total of six scoring athletes rather than the traditional five.