Tim Howard’s Heroics Not Enough

Jul 1, 2014; Salvador, Bahia, BRAZIL; United States midfielder Julian Green (16) and defender John Brooks (6) react after Belgium

The ending wasn’t right. If there was a way the US could respond to Tim Howard’s record-breaking 16 saves, it was to reward him with a win. Someone must have botched the script. The underdog team draws inspiration from their goalkeeper, who is playing the match of his life, and mounts an incredible comeback to help the team advance in the World Cup. It was supposed to be the storybook ending straight out of a Steven Spielberg movie. Instead it all went to waste.

The United States held their heads high despite a 2-1 loss to Belgium, holding off the Red Devils for the full 90 minutes before conceding two in extra time. Runs by Kevin Mirallas, Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, and Divock Origi gave the US backline plenty of problems, but none of them were able to deliver the finishing product as Tim Howard played like a man possessed. The Everton goalkeeper compiled 16 saves, setting the world record for most saves in the FIFA World Cup match since 1966.

Jul 1, 2014; Salvador, Bahia, BRAZIL; Belgium forward Romelu Lukaku (9) and midfielder Axel Witsel (6) celebrate after their 2-1 win over the United States in their round of sixteen match in the 2014 World Cup at Arena Fonte Nova. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

In the 93rd minute, substitute Romelu Lukaku used his body to keep Matt Besler away from the ball and dribbled into the box from the right side. He cut the pass back to De Bruyne who took one touch before slotting it past the diving Howard to give Belgium the 1-0 lead.

At the 105th minute of the the first half of extra time, De Bruyne returned the favor for Lukaku. Lukaku cut into the box diagonally and received a perfect pass from De Bruyne inside the box. The Everton striker drilled it past Howard to double the lead.

Jul 1, 2014; Salvador, BRAZIL; United States midfielder Julian Green (16) enters the game in overtime against Belgium during the round of sixteen match in the 2014 World Cup at Arena Fonte Nova. Belgium defeated USA 2-1 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

All hope looked lost for the United States until the 107th minute when Michael Bradley found Julian Green running in the box from the left with a chip pass. The 19 year old caught the ball on the volley and hit it past Thibeaut Courtois to cut the deficit in half. After the goal, the United States pushed forward aggressively in hopes of looking for a tie.

Jul 1, 2014; Salvador, Bahia, BRAZIL; United States forward Clint Dempsey (8) goes for a ball in front of Belgium defender Toby Alderweireld (2) during the first half of their round of sixteen match in the 2014 World Cup at Arena Fonte Nova. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

The equaliser almost came in the 114th minute when Michael Bradley took a free kick 30m away from goal. Instead of opting for a shot, Bradley delivered a low pass to Jermaine Jones in the box who then quickly slotted it to Clint Dempsey. Dempsey tried to edge a shot past Courtois in a one-on-one, but the Belgium keeper deflected the ball. It was a miss that will leave Dempsey haunted for years to come as the United States never found a better opportunity than that until the final whistle.

Despite the heartbreaking loss, the USA have much to look forward to in the future. Youngsters like John Brooks, DeAndre Yedlin, and Julian Green have had an incredible showing at the tournament and surely figure in Klinsmann’s plans for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Moreover, up-and-coming stars like Joe Gyau, Terrence Boyd, and Junior Flores will provide a valuable foundation for the United States to build upon in the future while Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore are primed to lead the squad in their final hurrah.

Unfortunately, the 2014 FIFA World Cup likely serves as Tim Howard’s final tournament, leaving Brad Guzan major shoes to fill in. Still, the United States haven’t hit their plateau and with Jurgen Klinsmann still at the helm, one can only imagine how far the United States can go. For here on out, lets all believe.

Jul 1, 2014; Salvador, Bahia, BRAZIL; United States goalkeeper Tim Howard (1) makes a save as United States defender Matt Besler (5) and Belgium forward Divock Origi (17) look on during the first half of their round of sixteen match in the 2014 World Cup at Arena Fonte Nova. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Man of the Match

Tim Howard earned it despite the loss. If it were Brad Guzan or Nick Rimando between the posts, the USA would have lost 4-0 at the end of 90 minutes. If Tim Howard wasn’t the starting keeper, the rest of America would’ve shrugged and fell for the lie that their country was doomed to fail and anticipate nothing from US soccer for the rest of their lives.

Howard kept the match close and by doing so, the rest of the United States can happily take the loss in stride and realize that the country’s dreams of winning the World Cup isn’t far away. Tim Howard may not have secured the win, but he secured the hopes of transforming the United States into a soccer nation. Am I overexaggerating Howard’s impact? If you think I am, I have two words for you. Shut up.

Tweets of the Match