At the beginning of the tournament, most United States World Cup conversations were centralized around Jurgen Klinsmann decision to leave U.S. former Captain and top scorer, Landon Donovan, back in the states. Now, as the U.S. begins their long journey stateside, there is one name that is at the forefront of every American soccer fan’s mind, and that name is Tim Howard.
Howard, who was named FIFA Man of the Match in the United States 2-1 loss to Belgium, has been phenomenal all through the tournament for the Red, White, and Blues. And though, he has been the go to guy in the goal for the last 7 years in U.S. soccer, many people are asking the question of “Will Tim Howard be invited to Russia for the 2018 FIFA World Cup?”
Judging by his performance over the last 3 weeks, most American’s couldn’t imagine having anyone else in goal for them against the rest of the world’s best players. But 4 years is a long way away, and Howard will be 39 years old by the time the games start in 2018.
Taking into account the U.S. team’s former keepers, it does not seem unlikely that Tim will have another shot at glory in the 2018 World Cup. Kasey Keller, a legendary former U.S. goalie played well into his 40’s, not to mention former U.S. goalie Brad Friedel who is currently 43 years old and still playing with Tottenham, a middle of the pack Premier League team.
One thing that may count Howard out in 2018 is the presence of his backup on the U.S. team this summer, Brad Guzan. Guzan is six years younger than Tim Howard, and dons the skills that may make him a clear choice over an aging Howard in 2018.
Regardless of what happens in 2018, it is impossible to forget the performance by Tim Howard over the last 4 games played by the U.S. in Brazil. It will be exciting to see how his career progresses as he returns home to the Premier League’s Everton. FIFA stipulates that any team is required to bring 3 goalies with them to each World Cup appearance. So hopefully Tim Howard may still be making the trip to Russia in 2018, even if we don’t get to see him work his magic again between the posts.
Airticle Posted by a1alimo.com
