The GIST: With a thrilling Round of 16 officially done and dusted, here’s a look ahead to this weekend’s four must-see Euro quarter-final (QF) matches. Just heating up.

Expect powerhouse clashes on Friday: The Fourth of July is for hot dogs, but the fifth of July is for the big dogs, starting with No. 8 Spain vs. No. 16 Germany at 12 p.m. ET. Expect fireworks from the two highest scoring teams in the tourney, but the fluid Spaniards will have their hands full taking down the Germans in front of a roaring home crowd.

• Then at 3 p.m. ET, it’s No. 6 Portugal against No. 2 France, a thrilling intergenerational clash pitting 39-year-old Portuguese icon Cristiano Ronaldo against 25-year-old wunderkind Kylian Mbappé.
• That said, both stars struggled in Monday’s Round of 16. After Portugal's tear-soaked penalty-kick escape from No. 57 Slovenia, Ronaldo announced this is his final Euro, while masked Mbappé is having trouble finding the net as his team finds their offense in their opponents’ own goals.

Don’t sleep on Saturday’s skirmishes: No. 5 England will have their toughest test of the tourney thus far at noon, taking on dark horse No. 19 Switzerland, fresh off a dominant Round of 16 win over defending Euro champs, No. 10 Italy. Adding to the intrigue? English phenom and knockout stage hero Jude Bellingham’s playing status is still TBD.

• Last but not least comes the 3 p.m. ET showdown between the No. 7 Netherlands and No. 42 Türkiye, a sure-to-thrill showdown following yesterday’s epic wins.
• The Dutch dominated for the first time this tourney, topping No. 47 Romania 3–0, while Türkiye scored the second fastest Euros goal ever and held on tight to beat No. 25 Austria 2–1. Now both squads are through to the Euro QFs for the first time since 2008.

The women’s sports movement is alive and well, and as a GISTer, you have a huge part in its success. To thank you, we’re giving away a once-in-a-lifetime trip for two to take in the WNBA All-Star Weekend in Phoenix, Arizona.

You and your bestie can watch the WNBA All-Star Skills Challenge and 3 Point Contest on Friday, July 19th before taking in the main event on Saturday, July 20th where Team WNBA will face Team USA in the All-Star Game. A slam dunk.

• And that’s not all. The winner will also receive $1K in cash to cover travel and accommodations to enjoy a perfect weekend in the Valley of the Sun.

Get your game on, go play, and enter to win today.

🏀 WNBA: Connecticut Sun vs. Minnesota Lynx — Tomorrow at 8 p.m. ET — Amazon Prime Video

• Before heading to your Fourth of July celebration, catch some fireworks on the hardwood as the West best Lynx host the tough-to-beat Sun.

🏆 Copa América quarter-final: No. 1 Argentina vs. No. 30 Ecuador — Tomorrow at 9 p.m. ET — FS1

• Lionel Messi and La Albiceleste’s title defense is still intact, and they’ll continue their quest when they take on La Tricolor, a squad Argentina’s never lost to in Copa América play.

⚽ NWSL: Kansas City Current vs. Orlando Pride — Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET — ION

• The two top teams in the league will be shining under the Saturday night lights of Kansas City’s CPKC Stadium, where the Current’s historic 17-game unbeaten streak will be put to the test against the also undefeated Pride. Who ya got?

Have you ever wanted to learn a new language but thought it would take too long? Think again.

• With Lingvano, you can pick up American Sign Language (ASL) in just five to 10 minutes a day. Their interactive app features video lessons that support building muscle memory, in turn helping you retain what you’ve learned.
• With lessons designed by Deaf teachers, it’s like having a coach who’s always in your corner. Start your seven-day free trial today to start signing like a pro.

Former Miami Marlins general manager (GM) Kim Ng — the first woman to serve as a GM in the four major North American pro sports leagues — who signed on as a senior adviser for the new Athletes Unlimited Softball League yesterday.

Journalist Sarah Spain’s new podcast, Good Game — the daily women’s sports pod launches July 17th. Can't wait.

Cleat Cute by Meryl Wilsner. Can rival soccer teammates fall in love and win the World Cup? Find out with The GIST Book Club on Fable today.