World Cup Round of 16 begins this weekend
CALEB PEREZ | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 months, 2 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
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Tigers pull off OT victory over Huskies
OTHELLO — The Ephrata Tigers (4-7-2) earned a competitive 3-2 overtime victory on the road against the Othello Huskies (5-6) Tuesday evening. Both teams are now looking to close out the regular season on high notes. “Great game, we had a tough first half trying to match them, they’re so fast up top and they have some really great through balls,” said Tigers Head Coach Gary Keplec. “We had trouble matching that and then we mixed things up in the second half, brought girls in and put girls in different places. We went back out and we challenged them.” The first half was strongly in favor of the Huskies. Othello held control of the ball for much of the time, putting pressure on Tigers goalkeeper junior Aiyana Valle, who made multiple key stops.
Vikings earn road victory over Wenatchee Friday
WENATCHEE — The Big Bend Community College Vikings (5-8) gained a competitive road win over the Wenatchee Valley College Knights (3-17). Both teams were looking to come back from losses, and the Vikings got back in the win column 3-0. “It was very exciting,” said Vikings Head Coach Lindsey Linthicum. “Our girls just came in with a fire in their belly, ready to compete and ready to take on Wenatchee.” The first set showed BBCC’s strength as they had nine total kills. While Wenatchee Valley battled hard, the Vikings gained a 25-20 victory to start the match.