Legendary USA goalkeeper Tim Howard has dismissed any probability of Mauricio Pochettino’s crew successful the World Cup this summer time.
Two dominant victories over Paraguay and Australia have seen expectations sky rocket throughout America in latest days.
The USMNT first blew Paraguay away 4-1 of their opening recreation earlier than they clinched Group D and a spot within the last-32 with a routine 2-0 victory over Australia in Seattle on Friday.
Legendary striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic urged American followers to consider their crew has an opportunity of lifting the trophy throughout Fox’s protection after the win over Australia.
However Howard, who performed 121 instances for the USMNT throughout his profession, has dismissed any prospect of that occuring.
‘The U.S. can not, unequivocally, win the World Cup,’ he stated on his ‘Unfiltered Soccer’ podcast alongside former USMNT teammate Landon Donovan.
Tim Howard has dismissed any probability of the USA successful the World Cup this summer time
The Individuals have already received Group D because of their 2-0 victory over Australia on Friday
‘The U.S. should play the best recreation they’ve ever performed…4 video games in a row. Spherical of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, finals.
‘It is actually unattainable for the U.S. to win the World Cup. That is simply the truth.’
Donovan appeared to agree with Howard, though did sound somewhat extra optimistic.
‘I’ve stated this again and again. Are you able to do it 4 instances in a row? Are you able to do it within the spherical of 16, the quarter, the semi, the ultimate. That’s the place it will get actually exhausting,’ he added. ‘However momentum will get going, you by no means know.’
Ibrahimovic stated after the win over Australia that thousands and thousands of Individuals supporting the USA crew can energy Pochettino’s males to World Cup glory.
‘For those who didn’t consider earlier than, I’ll repeat; begin believing,’ Ibrahimovic stated on Fox shortly after the USA victory.
‘They’ve the nation behind them, and when you will have this help, it’s tough to beat you. They’d a very good efficiency at present. To be sincere, Australia was not a menace at present.
‘I stated it earlier than, that no matter occurred earlier than the World Cup (does not matter). It will be important what occurs now. Now, the momentum they’ve, that’s what they want.
Optimism has flooded America after watching their crew choose up two dominant victories
‘They simply must proceed bringing confidence from recreation to recreation. The third recreation, let’s have a look at what occurs now, they will relaxation some gamers now that they’ve certified. It’s wanting good.’
Requested by Rebecca Lowe to offer a one-word reply on if the USA may win the World Cup, the legendary striker stated: ‘Sure.’
Pochettino’s crew nonetheless has yet another group recreation to go, in opposition to Turkey on Thursday, however they may relaxation gamers having secured their spot on the prime of Group D.
As group winners, they’ve booked their last-32 recreation in opposition to one of many third place groups from one other group. That recreation will happen in Santa Clara on July 1 at 8pm ET.
