The U.S. win over Ghana last night in the World Cup "turned out to be a perfect night for soccer" in Natal, Brazil. U.S. fans "clad in all sorts of red, white and blue outfits dominated the stands," and at times the stadium "felt like Columbus, Ohio" (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 6/17). The U.S. endured hamstring injuries, "a glaring lack of possession and constant duress to take a considerable step toward the knockout stage" (WASHINGTON POST, 6/17). U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann "coached a masterful game, which should silence his critics" (Newark STAR-LEDGER, 6/17).
The match generated major-market coverage, much of it above the fold.
ABC's "GMA," NBC's "Today" and "CBS This Morning" all had similar line-ups, leading with the severe weather in the Midwest and the growing violence in Iraq before following with reports on the World Cup in the first 12 minutes of the telecasts. All three teased the U.S. win in their opening segments. ABC's
Bob Woodruff, CBS'
Elaine Quijano and NBC's
Bill Nelly all reported live from Brazil this morning. ESPN's
Alexi Lalas appeared live via satellite on ABC to provide match analysis (
THE DAILY).
