Tim Howard Expected to Play Against Slovenia in USAs 2nd World Cup Match

By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 14, 2010) After a physical examination this morning, the medical staff has determined there is no need to conduct additional testing on goalkeeper Tim Howard. He continues to make substantial improvement and is expected to be available for the match Slovenia on June 18 in Johannesburg is expected to be available for the match against Slovenia on June 18 in Johannesburg.

During the U.S. Men's National Team opening match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup on June 12 against England, Howard took a boot from forward Emile Heskey to his right side in the 29th minute while making an excellent diving clearance on a dangerous cross.

Howard stayed down on the play for three minutes, but returned to action to help the USA earn a 1-1 draw and Man of the Match honors.

The U.S. Men’s National Team’s highly anticipated opening match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup against England on ABC was the most viewed World Cup first round match and fifth most-viewed World Cup match ever. The match, which ended in a 1-1 draw, was the most watched U.S. MNT match since 1994.

The two-hour match window averaged a 7.3 household rating (8,391,000 households and 12,956,000 viewers) based on fast nationals. The three-hour telecast, which included one hour of pre-match coverage, delivered a 6.1 household rating (7,034,000 households, and 10,763,000 viewers). In addition, 3.8 million watched the Spanish-language broadcast on Univision.

Other interesting facts have come out of the first three days of the tournament.

The four-goal outburst by Germany against Australia for a 4-0 win marked the only of the first 11 games with more than two goals, and two of those were scored after Australia was reduced to 10 men after a Tim Cahill red card.

Four games have finished 1-0, three have finished 1-1 and there was one scoreless tie.

The tournament has averaged 1.64 goals per game through 11 matches, down from 2.09 through 11 matches in 2006.

For the second consecutive FIFA World Cup, Germany opened with four goals (in 2006 they opened with a 4-2 win against Costa Rica).

The goal averages in the first 10 games not to include Germany is 1.40 in 2010 and was 1.70 in 2006.

Lionel Messi took four shots on goal in Argentina’s 1-0 win against Nigeria. Not including Argentina, only eight of the 21 teams who have played have more than four shots on goal.
The U.S. Men’s National Team’s highly anticipated opening match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup against England on ABC was the most viewed World Cup first round match and fifth most-viewed World Cup match ever. The match, which ended in a 1-1 draw, was the most watched U.S. MNT match since 1994.