Everton's Tim Howard hoping for Confederations Cup joy against Brazil

Jun 27 2009 Dominic King

TOP of Africa is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Johannesburg but Tim Howard will be on top of the world if his mammoth season ends on a high.

Everton’s goalkeeper should have been sitting on a beach somewhere this weekend but a staggering turnaround in the United States’ footballing fortunes means he will be playing in the Confederations Cup final tomorrow night instead.

Not even the biggest optimist would have ventured that as being a possibility last weekend after Howard and his compatriots had lost their opening Group B games against Brazil and Italy but, in football, it pays to expect the unexpected.

Unexpected, though, does not quite do justice to the way the US have hauled themselves off the canvas; if beating Egypt 3-0 and seeing Brazil thump Italy by the same score was a shock, the 2-0 victory over European Champions Spain on Wednesday was even more astounding.

Yet there was nothing fortuitous about that result and Howard is intent on taking full advantage; he is not, then, interested in seeing the many sights – including the view from the 50th floor of the Carlton Centre which has been labelled Top of Africa – that Johannesburg has to offer.

So while many will be expecting a Brazil side that is being inspired by Kaka to waltz off with the trophy, they are likely to find Howard in belligerent mood, determined to ensure he does not end up on the losing side in another final.

“After the first two games, all we were trying to do was keep our heads above water,” said Howard, who is poised to win his 43rd cap. “But you can never be sure what is around the corner in football. I hate to say it but it’s a funny game and, now again, you get these breaks.

“I figure that if I can keep playing in these finals, sooner or later the law of averages says that I’m going to win one! Seriously, though, we know it’s going to be tough and if we are going to win, everyone is going to have to work together like we did against Spain.