You're locked in to Sports Desk, let's get into it.
Jimmy Butler is sending a message from the recovery room. The Golden State forward, who tore his right ACL back in January, told ESPN he fully expects to return as, quote, a top player. That's the kind of confidence you want from a guy rehabbing one of the nastiest injuries in the game, and nobody's betting against him.
Shifting to the pitch, the World Cup group stage is officially in the books and the best eleven of the round has been named, featuring a standout German star among the honorees. Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha earned the nod between the posts, while France's Dayot Upamecano anchored the defensive line. It was a group stage full of surprises, and the individual performances matched the drama.
And speaking of the World Cup, the knockout rounds are here and Canada is jumping straight into the fire. The co-hosts open the round of sixteen against South Africa on Sunday, carrying the weight of a nation and a home crowd hungry for something historic. Canada has the talent and the momentum, and this one has the makings of a genuine statement game.
That's your play-by-play. Sports Desk, back to the booth.
