Official World Cup Thread

[theoneandonly]

If the USA gets past Belgium they would have the daunting task of Argentina waiting for them in the round of 8.

[Crimson's Ghost]

Who knows? Maybe Switzerland can knock off Argentina.

[abpk2903]

How does Howard stack up worldwide as a goalkeeper? Top 5, top 10, top 25???

It seems like if you are a big underdog, play to get to penalty shots. Anything can happen at that point especially is you have a good keeper.

[theoneandonly]

The Swiss absolutely could knock off Argentina... I just don't see it happening.

[Aoki11]

Apbk, Howard's probably in the top 15. And that's where he's consistently been his whole career.

As for knockout stages, Belgium is a powerhouse. They are my darkhorse. With that being said, US has a great chance of knocking this team off. US midfield is in my opinion the most underrated in the world. Kyle Beckerman is an animal, he is such an amazing player. I'm going to dare say if US can mount the daunting task of besting Belgiums stacked midfield, then I guarantee a win.

[HockeyGenie]

Maybe it's just my optimism for all my favorite teams but I think Howard is a little higher than top 15. He's not really positionally great, but other than that he is perfect. His reactions are insane, he's one of the most athletic human beings you will ever watch, and he commands his defense perfect.

Here's who I think is in front of him right now on the world stage:
Thibeaut Cortois
David De Gea (why spain chose Casillas over him is still a mystery in my eyes)
Gianluigi Buffon
Hugo Lloris
Joe Hart

Can't really see anyone else that is better.

[HockeyGenie]

And neuer

[Crimson's Ghost]

Ochoa was outstanding for Mexico, really liked watching him play. I'd take him over Howard.

[konjo78]

Ochoa was stand out but in Mexico's previous games he seems to lack the field general nature that keepers have. That's probably the most underrating quality about GK is the fact not many people recognize they are usually setting up and calling plays the majority of the game. Tim Howard has always been a stand out with this and it's why experts all over the world love him