His coach Jurgen Klinsmann called him “phenomenal”, while the praise was as relentless as Belgium’s attack with Tim Howard hailed a hero for his all-time great goalkeeping display in the USA’s brave World Cup exit.
Howard made 15 saves – the most by any keeper in a World Cup match since 1966 – before two goals in extra time saw the Belgians win 2-1 on Tuesday night to secure a quarter-final place against Argentina.
“What Tim played was just phenomenal, outstanding – he kept us in that game for a long time," said Klinsmann. "We are proud to have him with us. It was an absolutely amazing match tonight and you can give him the biggest compliment in the world.”
The introduction of Romelu Lukaku – Howard’s Everton team-mate last season – made the difference, with the striker creating the opening for Kevin de Bruyne’s winner before scoring the second himself.
Howard could do little about either goal and like all good heroes was exceptionally modest about his own individual display.
“I’ve said it all along. That’s what I signed up to do. Stick my face in front of balls and get in the way,” the 35-year-old said.
“That’s my job so I was able to do a lot of that last night. I know for me, unfortunately, it wasn’t enough but we nearly did it and I couldn’t be prouder of this team.”
Memes featuring Howard exploded on the Internet, politicians praised him and Wikipedia trolls even momentarily named him the US Secretary of Defence.
Vice President Joe Biden hailed him as “most valuable player in the World Cup”, and he won gushing praise from congressional leaders, basketball icon Kobe Bryant, and even his Belgian opponents.
“Two words… Tim Howard,” Belgian skipper Vincent Kompany posted on Twitter after the match.
Tweeters were calling “Tim Howard for president”, while a petition to the White House to rename Washington’s main domestic airport “Tim Howard National Airport” had nearly 4,000 signatures by mid-morning yesterday.
A meme fest ensued, with images of Howard’s countenance on Mount Rushmore or the $1 bill, or in goal wearing giant Mickey Mouse-style white gloves.
But for all the comedy, there was genuine praise across the US, where many major newspapers featured Howard on their front pages, writing how another gritty performance by him and his teammates marked a turning point for US soccer.
“It’s been special, and that’s been part of this amazing journey,” Howard told CNN. “But also being able to captivate the imagination and hopes and dreams of a nation is certainly part of that ride.”
Howard did not comment on whether he would give it another go between the sticks for Team USA in the 2018 World Cup, but he left the door open.
Thanks to his soaring popularity and stature, the New Jersey-born keeper – who lives with Tourette’s syndrome – will have every opportunity to help advance the causes of his choosing.
“He will always be a hero to the Tourette syndrome community,” the Tourette Syndrome Association said on its website.
Bald, bearded, tattooed, and with rock-star good looks, Howard will likely have his pick of commercial endorsements when he returns stateside.
So what’s next for the newly minted superstar?
“Take it in my stride,” he added. “I’m going to go home and I’m going to relax and hide away, hang out with the kids, get some more tattoos – just be me.”
