World Cup Round of 16 begins this weekend
CALEB PEREZ | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 months 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
Mavs claim District 5 swim and dive title
MOSES LAKE — The series of successful meets this season fully paid off for the Moses Lake Mavericks girls swim team over the weekend as the girls claimed the District 5 title. By the end of Saturday, the Mavs won the district meet with a score of 466 to Wenatchee's 449. "Just as we expected with Wenatchee, it was close all the way to the end. Could have gone either way, but it went our way," said Mavs Head Coach Tony Preston. "The girls were super excited to get their district championship."
Tigers qualify both boys and girls teams to state
EPHRATA — The Ephrata Tigers Cross Country team continued their successful season in the District 5 and 6 Championships Saturday afternoon. Both the boys and girls had strong races to qualify for state with the boys taking third and the girls taking second. Tigers Head Coach Lyndsy Roberts said because of their high ranking all season the girls team set their sights high on the district meet. Heading into Saturday, they knew their toughest challenge would be against Ellensburg, who has been ranked second in the state all season.
Knights battle into district championships
ROYAL CITY — The second seeded Royal Knights (16-2-1) battled in a tight matchup against the third seeded Naches Valley Saturday afternoon in the district semifinals. Both teams put forward a strong effort, with the Knights securing a 1-0 victory. "We were all putting our heart out in this game and trying our best because we have a really good team this year," said Knights junior Sofia Villafana. "We were just giving it our all." The tone of the game was set from the very start as Royal and Naches Valley went back and forth on their attack. While the Knights controlled the ball for most of the first half, Naches Valley's defense kept things in check.