World Cup knockout games bring drama and history

The GIST: Just when you thought the FIFA men’s World Cup (WC) couldn’t get any better, Monday happened. All three Round of 32 games went into extra time, with Brazil sending Japan home via a stoppage time stunner and the other two tilts going to penalty kicks (PK) after 1–1 full-time draws. Unreal.

🥅 Paraguay and Morocco snag upsets in thrilling PK shootouts: La Albirroja had a 14% chance of winning against Germany and were obliterated in almost every stat except the one that matters: the scoreline. This was the first time Germany ever lost in PKs at a WC and one upset definitely worthy of a holiday.

• Later that night, the Netherlands’ conservative strategy fell flat against Morocco, who proved they’re a true contender — no Cinderella stories here.

💫 Stars shine in chalky Tuesday matchups: A late goal from striker Channing Tatum Erling Haaland sealed Norway’s 2–1 victory over Côte d’Ivoire, then French phenom Kylian Mbappé blew everyone away with his two-goal masterclass en route to a 3–0 dub over Sweden.

• In the nightcap, Mexico (and their eager fans) topped Ecuador to earn the co-hosts a X–X win, El Tri’s first knockout stage W in 40 years. Fútbol is life.

• In the night cap, Ecuador overcame a bad night’s sleep to shock host squad Mexico with a X–X win thanks to THIS GOAL OR STAT. Gonna sleep well tonight.