Howard and USA edge closer to Brazil 2014

Lyndon Lloyd , 19 June, 4comments | Jump to most recent

Tim Howard says the United States are "in the driving seat" of their World Cup qualifying campaign after a 1-0 win over Honduras kept them top of the CONCACAF table on 13 points.

Thanks to Jozy Altidore's winner and a clean sheet for Howard, the US are a shoo-in to qualify for their seventh World Cup Finals and that means the Everton goalkeeper can relax between now and the start of pre-season training back on Merseyside in a fortnight's time.

"It's easy to go on vacation and enjoy some cold beers and swimming pools and all that stuff leaving everything on a high," Howard was quoted in the LA Times.

"This sets us great for the autumn qualifiers. We're in the driver's seat now. So it's been an upbeat summer. But it will be an even better fall."

Jurgen Klinsmann's side are expected to clinch qualification in the autumn and they could well be joined by Bryan Oviedo's Costa Rica who currently lie in second place after a 2-0 home win over Panama.

Oviedo has lost his place in his country's side recently but he will be hoping greater involvement at club level with Everton under Roberto Martinez next season will allow him to fight his way back into the reckoning.

Reader Comments (4)

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Ross Edwards
1 Posted 19/06/2013 at 22:21:42

Uncle Jurgen leading Uncle Sam to Rio! Go Team USA!!!

James Flynn
2 Posted 19/06/2013 at 23:30:26

Something I've noticed about Timmy playing for our Nats rather than EFC. For my country, he's aggressive coming forward with balls into the box.

I assume it's because our WC qualifying games provide much less attacking worries than the Prem.

I'd just like to see the same aggression during the 38 games.

Patrick Murphy
3 Posted 20/06/2013 at 00:53:39

Just finished watching Japan play Italy and if we see games like that next summer we'll be in for a treat. The Japanese played some really good quality football and their movement was superb, if you haven't seen it already get on the red button tomorrow if they show it again, it's well worth the watch.

I'm sticking a fiver on Japan and Belgium to get to the Semi's hopefully I will get a run for my money.

Jamie Crowley
4 Posted 20/06/2013 at 07:03:45

I agree with James. Howard seems to be much more aggressive playing for the USMNT than he does for Everton. He commands his 6 yard box and comes out for crosses.

Why he seems more tentative with Everton is a mystery.

If the US got to the final 8 I'd be ecstatic.

If Everton got to 4th I'd be ecstatic.

Why do I love teams that seemingly have no shot of winning a Championship?

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