The mood around the USMNT has shifted quickly after a statement 2-0 win over Australia .
Zlatan Ibrahimovic added to that optimism when he said he believes they can win the World Cup.
Tim Howard , however, has taken a far colder view of their chances.
Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Howard is not speaking from distance. He remains one of the most important goalkeepers in United States history.
He played at a high level in Europe, most notably across a long and respected spell with Everton , and carried USMNT hopes at World Cups.
That background gives his verdict weight, even if it cuts sharply against the optimism now growing around Mauricio Pochettino's team.
Speaking on Unfiltered Soccer alongside Landon Donovan , Howard said (via Yahoo Sports): "The US will need to play the greatest game they've played three times in a row. Sorry, four games in a row… It's literally impossible for the US to win the World Cup."
That was a striking response to Ibrahimovic's belief. The former Sweden striker saw enough after the Australia win to back the hosts as contenders.
Howard sees the same conversation differently. His point is not about one performance, but about the sustained level required deep into a World Cup.
Unsurprisingly, those remarks have not landed well with American soccer fans.
Howard's name also returned to the World Cup conversation for another reason this weekend.
Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room produced a remarkable display in a 0-0 draw with Ecuador , helping his nation earn their first World Cup point ever.
Room made 15 saves in normal time, matching Howard's famous benchmark from USA's 2014 knockout defeat against Belgium .
That record underlines why Howard's view still carries authority.
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