Source: Team_Talk
Howard hails result for the ages
Tim Howard believes the United States' 1-1 draw with England on Saturday was a better result that the famous win in 1950.[LNB] That success 60 years ago, against a side captained by Billy Wright, has gone down in history as one of the World Cup's biggest shocks.[LNB]Yet it was very much an isolated occasion, with US soccer subsequently falling back into total obscurity from which, on an international level, the USA were not to emerge for another 40 years.[LNB]This weekend's draw was another matter entirely.[LNB]It leaves the USA well placed to reach the last 16, having beaten tournament favourites Spain in the Confederations Cup 12 months ago before streaking into a two-goal lead against Brazil in the final, only to eventually get overhauled.[LNB]"It is a better result than 1950," said Howard.[LNB]"We are better positioned tonight than we were in then. We expected to put a performance in and get at least a draw, which tells you how far we have come."[LNB]Howard is hoping to get a couple of days off training following the rib injury he collected in a first-half collision with Emile Heskey.[LNB]The Everton keeper needed extensive treatment to continue and it wasn't until he reached the safety of the dressing room at half-time that he knew for certain he would reach the final whistle.[LNB]"Emile caught me right in the ribs," said Howard.[LNB]"I honestly didn't know whether it was broken or not.[LNB]"I was just trying to breathe and that was tough enough. I was going to give myself five or ten minutes because I knew once the adrenalin kicked back in I was going to be all right until half-time.[LNB]"But it was really sore and it did cross my mind I might have to be substituted.[LNB]"Thankfully I managed to make it through and eventually had a pain-killing injection and some medicine."[LNB]Since moving to Everton, initially on loan, in 2006, Howard has proved himself to be one of the Premier League's most competent keepers.[LNB]And having observed Robert Green at close quarters, he has nothing buy sympathy for the man now being blamed for England's failure to open their Group C campaign with a win.[LNB]"There is a bond between the keepers," he said.[LNB]"You understand the criticism that is heaped upon them.[LNB]"Even when we equalised, I had mixed emotions because you know what happened is not nice.[LNB]"He is a fantastic goalkeeper. I have known him from playing against him for a number of years and he will bounce back.[LNB]"You need to be strong and broad shoulders and Robert does."
