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World Cup: 7 teams vying for 3 spots in 2nd round

By WTOP Staff

MATTIAS KAREN
AP Sports Writer

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — It’s the last day of the group stage at the World Cup, and seven teams are still vying for the last three spots in the Round of 16.

While most teams are either on their way home or preparing for the knockout stage, there’s still everything to play for in the finely balanced Group G, where all four teams still have a chance to go through.

The biggest matchup of the day pits the United States against Germany in a game that could put both teams through and will determine whether the Ghana-Portugal game has any real significance.

The only team that can afford to relax a little is Belgium, which has already advanced to the knockout round after winning its first two matches. The Belgians still need a point against South Korea to top Group H, though, while Algeria could claim the other spot with at least a draw against Russia.

Here are the main things to watch for Thursday:

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NO FRIENDLY TRUCE

When the U.S. takes on Germany, it’s one of those rare games when both teams will be happy with a draw. Just don’t expect either team to play for one.

Both countries have four points in Group G and a draw would put both through to the next round, with Germany as group winner on goal difference. Germany, though, badly wants to beat its former coach and star player Jurgen Klinsmann, who is now in charge of the U.S. team. The Americans, meanwhile, need a win to avoid Belgium in the next round. Add in the fact that five players on the U.S. team have German mothers, and there’s no shortage of plot lines that go beyond just the result.

Klinsmann said, “I don’t think that we are made for draws,” while Germany defender Mats Hummels said it would be “highly unsportsmanlike” not to go for a win.

Venue: Recife. Kickoff 1 p.m. local time (noon in New York, 5 p.m. London, 1 a.m. Tokyo)

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HAIR TODAY, GONE TOMORROW?

Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup campaign has been more notable for his changing hair styles than his football performances. For Portugal to have any chance of advancing, the world player of the year will have to come up with something really special against Ghana.

Portugal needs a big win coupled with a decisive result in the U.S.-Germany game to have a chance of going through to the knockout stage. However, its 4-0 loss to Germany means its poor goal difference will be difficult to overcome — especially if Ronaldo continues to struggle as he has the first two games. The Real Madrid star has been held scoreless in Brazil, but did set up Portugal’s last-gasp equalizer for 2-2 draw against the Americans with a perfect cross deep into injury time. He received more attention for his haircut in that game, which included a zigzag design shaved into the right side of head. On Wednesday he was sporting a new look again in training. It remains to be seen if it brings him more luck on the pitch.

Venue: Brasilia. Kickoff 1 p.m. local time (noon in New York, 5 p.m. London, 1 a.m. Tokyo)

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ASIA’S LAST CHANCE

South Korea is the only Asian team that still has a chance to reach the second round, but to call it slim would be an understatement. South Korea not only has to beat Belgium — which is already through after two wins — but needs the result of the Algeria-Russia game to go its way as well. If Russia draws or wins, South Korea could finish second on goal difference. Those mathematical permutations are unlikely to come into play, however, as South Korea has shown little so far to indicate it can beat the Belgians, who need at least a draw to secure top spot in Group H. Belgium coach Marc Wilmots said he won’t make any wholesale changes to rest players, but will bench those who risk suspension with another yellow card — like midfielder Axel Witsel and defender Toby Alderweireld. Defender — while captain Vincent Kompany is out with an injury.

Venue: Sao Paulo. Kickoff 5 p.m. local time (4 p.m. in New York, 9 p.m. London, 5 a.m. Tokyo)

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DANCING INTO THE NEXT ROUND

Ever seen a football coach dance? If not, keep an eye on the Algeria-Russia game in Curitiba. Algeria coach Vahid Halilhodzic has promised to put on quite a show if his team gets a win to move into the second round for the first time in its history. “Afterwards I can sing, I can dance,” he said. “I think even you Algerian journalists will appreciate that.”

Algeria hadn’t won a World Cup match since 1982 before a 4-2 victory over South Korea in Brazil. Now it’s likely to advance even with a draw against a Russia lineup that has failed to live up to expectations under coach Fabio Capello. Halilhodzic said the game was “the most important match” in Algeria’s history. It would also help erase some of the memories from the 1982 tournament, where Algeria was denied a spot in the second round after West Germany and Austria played out a result that suited them both.

Russia still has a chance of advancing with a victory, but needs to improve on its previous two unconvincing performances — a loss to Belgium and draw with South Korea.

Venue: Curitiba. Kickoff 5 p.m. local time (4 p.m. in New York, 9 p.m. London, 5 a.m. Tokyo)

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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