USA goalkeeper Tim Howard played out of his mind during Tuesday’s 2-1 World Cup loss to Belgium, and while fans around the world asked themselves how he performed so remarkably, FIFA might have done the same.
Howard’s 16 saves — the most by any goalie in a World Cup game — had everyone buzzing as the 35-year-old played the greatest game of his career on the biggest stage. Although Howard’s valiant effort fell just short, he revealed on ESPN Radio’s “Mike & Mike” on Wednesday morning that his display wasn’t the only storyline from the game.
Howard was asked what the reaction in the USA locker room was after the heartbreaking loss, but he couldn’t completely answer the question because he wasn’t with his teammates immediately following the game, as he divulged that FIFA selected him for a “random” drug test.
“I got dragged into drug-testing — again — randomly, so I didn’t hear all of them,” Howard said, via The Big Lead. “I think once I got back into the room it was quiet. Like you said, it was somber. No words can make you feel better. Some guys had tears. Some guys kept sitting quietly. It’s tough.”
Mike Golic then joked that perhaps the “randomness went out of the drug test” with the 10th or 11th save.
“Someone else said that as well,” Howard replied with a laugh. “Maybe.”
Random drug tests are standard throughout the World Cup, so it’s likely a coincidence that Howard was selected, but if anything, he should feel flattered his sensational performance had some wondering if he had some extra help.
Check out the full interview below.
