FIFA World Cup 2010: Tim Howard Stood Strong For the United States

Tim Howard was hoping for another game or two in South Africa. But it was not meant to be.

The Everton keeper led the United States to the Round of 16, but the Americans, for the second World Cup in a row, could not get past the Black Stars of Ghana.

“It was certainly a missed opportunity because we felt like we were in the game and at times we were the better team," said the American stopper. "But that means nothing because they put in the performance that won the game.

“We were on the front foot, I felt like we were on the ascendency when we got the goal. We got a few chances and really pinned them back in the second half which we knew we would. It was just a bridge too far for us. We can’t keep producing these magical moments because you just run out of gas."

Ghana beat the U.S. 2-1 getting the game winner in extra time.

Howard played well throughout the four games of the World Cup. He kept the Americans level with England in the first game. Against Slovenia there was a bit of a poor start as the U.S. fell behind, but solid play was seen for the rest of the game. Howard was very good in keeping a clean sheet versus Algeria.

Against Ghana Howard played well despite giving up the two goals. He helped keep the U.S. in the game with a few very strong saves.

While Howard believes the United States are on their way to becoming a world power, he thinks they are not there yet.

"I think we’ve gotten better," he said. "I think that has shown in the last month and certainly in the last year with the Confederations Cup. We’ve gotten better but still have a long way to go.

“I think it’s about seizing the opportunity when we get it. We had good opportunities, we felt like, in all the games. We were certainly right in the thick of it and I think that’s the next level for US soccer.

"Before, it was always being the underdog, and I think if you look at the last four games we were right in the thick of them. We need to get to the point where we can start dictating the tempo and telling other teams to get on our playing field."

Tim Howard must now get his thoughts back to the Premier League. Everton hopes to challenge for a top four spot in the upcoming 2010-2011 season, and they will rely heavily on the American keeper.

At 31 years old Howard figures to have one more World Cup shot in him. Keepers seem to have a year or two of extra life in them compared with the other positions, so he should still be near top form in 2014 in Brazil at age 35. At 39 in 2018? That's pushing it.

Everton's senior squad starts pre-season training on Wednesday as they prepare for an Australian trip before the season starts. Howard has been given some extra time off before he needs to join up with the squad, allowing him a little time to relax and recover following the grueling, emotion-draining experience that is the World Cup.

Well-deserved time off, I'd say.