Knockouts

The World Cup kicked off its do-or-die round of 32 yesterday.

Canada beat South Africa 1-0 in the first knockout fixture, with fifteen more this week (see bracket). Cape Verde, one of nine African nations to reach the knockouts, became the least-populated country to ever make it past the group stage. Their Cinderella story continues July 3 against Argentina, which is fresh off a 3-1 victory over Jordan where the GOAT bleated Lionel Messi scored again, in a record seventh consecutive World Cup game.

The U.S. plays Bosnia-Herzegovina at Levi’s Stadium Wednesday.

In basketball news, the WNBA handed Phoenix Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas a one-game suspension for “recklessly making contact” with Caitlin Clark’s throat. No foul was called during the game, which Clark’s coach called “absolutely unacceptable.”

Verse to consider whether you feel like the front runner or the underdog today… “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:11-13 (CSB) (read full passage)