“CBS Mornings” led Thursday’s episode with a recap of the game, including the on-air headline “U.S. Secures Win Despite Red Card.” CBS’ Nicole Valdes reported live from Santa Clara and said, “While last night’s victory was expected, it didn’t make it any less sweet.” CBS Sports’ Nigel Reo-Coker then appeared in studio to discuss U.S. F Folarin Balogun receiving a red card and said, “It’s a very harsh red card. I don’t believe it’s a red card.” CBS’ Vladimir Duthiers noted, “I saw [Argentina F Lionel] Messi do the same thing.” Reo-Coker later explained there is no appeal process for Balogun and previewed the U.S.-Belgium round of 16 match (“CBS Mornings,” 7/2).
ABC’s “GMA” also began with the match recap, with Whit Johnson reporting live from Santa Clara and under the headline, “U.S. Advances In World Cup Thriller.” He said, “We saw goals, a controversial red card, a bloody shoe and plenty of magic as the American World Cup dream marches on” (“GMA,” ABC, 7/2).
The match was the third news topic on NBC’s “Today,” behind the upcoming record heat wave and the latest involving President Trump. The report came with the on-air headline, “Team USA Wins Big At World Cup,” with anchor Craig Melvin saying the U.S. “kept that magic going in California last night” with “another dominant performance.” NBC’s Steve Patterson said, “It was the kind of victory and atmosphere that U.S. soccer fans have been waiting for years” (“Today,” NBC, 7/2).
