Whether Howard pulls on a national team jersey again, an eternal place as one of America’s soccer greats awaits. Howard briefly thought about international retirement as long as four years ago and there is a fine younger replacement, Brad Guzan, waiting in the wings and prepared for battle after two campaigns as understudy. “The way Tim played tonight was just phenomenal, just outstanding,” Klinsmann said. Head coach Jurgen Klinsmann claimed a month ago that he was one of the top five goalkeepers in the world and while everyone has their own tastes and such things are subjective, it would be hard to argue against that assertion, based on this effort, or indeed the one against Portugal in the second group game. being unable to get into the quarterfinals, Howard is the standout exception. If a lack of natural talent and overall quality were to blame for the U.S. Howard did not disappoint, not for a moment. He is 35 now, and will be 39 and have just completed his last English Premier League contract with Everton the next time soccer’s big show rolls around. It was likely the last World Cup game for Howard.

It is nice as a defender when you know you have that behind you.” “Huge,” said defender Matt Besler, when asked about Howard. His 16 saves are the most on record during a World Cup match and his performance made him only the third player in this tournament to win man of the match while being on the losing team.

With someone other than Howard minding the American net things could have quickly gotten ugly at the Arena Fonte Nova.

Tim Howard gestures to his teammates after making a save during the U.S.

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