On this day 11 years ago: Tim Howard set record for most saves in single World Cup match against Belgium

The USMNT goalie earned a total of 121 caps for his national team before retiring

On this day, eleven years ago, Tim Howard displayed all-time goalkeeping heroics when he pulled 16 saves in a single game against Belgium in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

USMNT were in a group of death that consisted of Germany, Portugal and Ghana, but the North American giants managed to finish second and reached the knockout stage.

However, their performance didn’t guarantee how far they could go in the competition. Their first opponent in the round of 16 were Belgium, who possessed a Golden Generation such as Thibaut Courtois, Vincent Kompany, Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Co.

Tim Howard created history with record saves in single World Cup match

The Red Devils were also among the favourites to win the tournament, and their game against the USA further highlighted the quality in their performance as they tested the USA goalkeeper.

However, Tim Howard saved the USA from any embarrassment against Belgium in the World Cup, as their custodian pulled off saves that few had ever seen before.

The former Everton goalkeeper pulled off saves with his left hand, right fingertips, legs, knees, chest, feet and even studs as he continued to avert Belgium with a big scoreline.

Tim Howard did his best to keep Belgium at bay until 90 minutes and forced the game to extra time, but the Red Devils finally managed to put the ball past the former Manchester United goalkeeper. Belgium edged past the USA 2-1 in extra time.

However, it was Howard who dominated the headlines, and following the game, a hashtag surfaced as “#ThingsTimHowardCouldSave”, trending on Twitter.

It was a game to remember for the goalie who made history by pulling record saves and single-handedly keeping the USA in the game until extra time. It was a moment that cemented Howard as one of the greatest goalies in USA soccer history.

At the age of 46, Tim Howard is now spending the final years of his playing career for the US team, Memphis 901 FC, which plays in the USL Championship.

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