2010 FIFA World Cup: Tim Howard Is Man That Will Decide the United States Fate

Going into the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the United States national football team had some high hopes that they could be the nation that makes a surprise run in South Africa.

With players such as Jozy Altidore, Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey on the attack, the United States were always a threat to score goals.

And with a defense with players such as Oguchi Onyewu, Jay DeMerit and Carlos Bocanegra, the Americans also had a defense that could beat anyone.

However, there is one man that all USA fans know will decide their fate: their 31-year-old goalkeeper Tim Howard.

Overall, Tim Howard has not only been one of the greatest footballers that the United States have ever produced, but he also is one of the greatest goalkeepers that is playing in the World Cup.

During the last ten years, Howard went from Major League Soccer to Manchester United in a stunning move, and then went to Mereyside to join Everton, a move that has helped Howard continue to be recognized as one of the best keepers in the world.

Now, one might think that Howard's impact is overblown, but the truth is that without Howard, the United States would not have any chance of advancing onto the round of 16.

During the last year, Howard has proven himself to be a confident goalkeeper that not only is not afraid of any player in the World Cup, but can make himself into a concrete barrier that cannot be penetrated in the back.

Ultimately, Howard was the reason why the United States were able to stun Spain in last June's Confederations Cup, and no one could have done better than Howard did against England in his first ever World Cup match.

Of course, there is the suspected rib fracture that Howard suffered at the feet of Emile Heskey during the match, but Howard was determined and his adrenaline and great play were the reasons why the United States got the draw.

Now with the USA playing a crucial World Cup match at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg tomorrow, who else but Howard will be starting in the American goal and will lead the United States to victory.

With Tim Howard, the United States will now be able to beat Slovenia and rightfully earn their place in the round of 16 against either Germany or Ghana.

Without Tim Howard, the United States will not be able to beat Slovenia and will be eliminated from the World Cup.