The Belgium-U.S. match was treated as a major news story on all three network morning shows today, following a pattern that “GMA,” “Today” and “CBS This Morning” set with the three U.S. group-stage games. The U.S.' defeat in extra time last night was the second report on all three programs, with only an update on Tropical Storm Arthur trumping it, but all three shows teased the game in their opening segments and featured live reports from Brazil. NBC's "Today" led with a 25-second mash up of all 16 saves prior to a live interview with U.S. G Tim Howard. He also appeared on the other two morning shows, as well as various other media outlets (THE DAILY). NBC's Natalie Morales said, "Many doubted they could get this far, but they are doubting no more. This team played their hearts out. They played as if they had something to prove and they sure did." Morales: "No matter the outcome, the atmosphere was incredible" around the stadium in Brazil (“Today,” NBC, 7/2). CBS’ Charlie Rose: "The World Cup is over for Team USA, but players and fans are holding their heads high." CBS' Elaine Quijano: "The Americans leave Brazil short of the ultimate prize, but their performance defied the pundits and turned millions of fans into believers. The legacy of this World Cup may be an energized U.S. fan base” (“CBS This Morning,” 7/2).
STOP THE PRESSES: The Belgium-U.S. match was the main story of many newspaper front pages this morning. Here is a sampling of how the game played out in the print pages.
Akron Beacon Journal: “Heartbreaker”
Arizona Republic: “U.S. Out, But Is Soccer Now In?"
Chicago Tribune: “Extra Agony”
El Paso Times: “Yanked Out”
Fresno Bee: “Hard-Fought Loss”
Indianapolis Star: “Red, White And Blue, Blue, Blue”
K.C. Star: “A Cup Of Anguish”
Miami Herald: “Heartbreaking Loss Ends U.S. Run”
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: “There’s Always 2018”
San Jose Mercury News: “A Crushing Collapse”
USA Today: “USA's Dream Fizzles”
Washington Post: “Heartbreak, And A Loss”
