The Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup has already delivered stunning upsets, penalty shootouts, and unforgettable moments. After Paraguay stunned Germany and Morocco sent the Netherlands home on penalties, Tuesday brings three more matches as France, Norway, and co-hosts Mexico look to avoid becoming the next big casualty.

Ivory Coast face Norway, France meet Sweden, and Mexico take on Ecuador as three more places in the last 16 are decided. This will be the first competitive meeting between Ivory Coast and Norway. Ivory Coast have struggled against European opposition, while Norway have traditionally fared well against African teams. The Opta supercomputer gives Norway a clear edge, winning in normal time 56.1% of simulations versus 21.6% for Ivory Coast.

France and Sweden have met 23 times, with France holding a 12-6 advantage. Despite this history, this is their first World Cup meeting. Opta heavily favors France, winning 75.1% of simulations in normal time, with Sweden victorious in just 9.5%.

Mexico and Ecuador have drawn their last three encounters. Opta gives Mexico a 47.1% chance of winning in normal time, compared to 23.7% for Ecuador. Including extra time and penalties, Mexico's probability of advancing rises to 61%, while Ecuador stands at 38.9%.

The tournament has moved into the Round of 32. So far, Morocco advanced by beating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Morocco will face Canada in the last 16. Germany's campaign ended shockingly as Paraguay won 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Paraguay's President Santiago Pena declared Tuesday a national holiday in celebration.

US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said he "danced a happy dance" after Iran's elimination from the World Cup. He claimed Iran required more attention from US authorities than any other team and expressed satisfaction that their visas were revoked. The Iran Football Federation dismissed his allegations as "false, fabricated and entirely baseless."

Source: www.aljazeera.com