Salvador, 1 July 2014. The United States against Belgium in the round of 16, and one of the best goalkeeping performances the World Cup has seen.
Tim Howard made 16 saves in that match. No goalkeeper has ever been recorded making more in a single World Cup game. Belgium kept coming, and Howard kept stopping them, through normal time and most of extra time as well.
It was not quite enough. Belgium finally broke through in extra time and the USA lost 2-1. Nobody blamed the goalkeeper.
What happened after Howard's 16 saves?
The reaction back home was remarkable for a match the Americans had lost. President Barack Obama personally called Howard to thank him. Online, "Things Tim Howard Could Save" became a global Twitter meme overnight, with Howard photoshopped saving the Titanic, Mufasa, the Hindenburg and much else.
Howard's display also gave American interest in soccer a fresh push.
Why Howard's night ranks at number 8
Because it made a nation care about a defeat. The United States did not win the match, but Howard came home a hero. The memes, the phone call from the White House and the standing ovations were all earned in 120 minutes of goalkeeping under pressure that barely let up.
A record that still stands, and a reminder that the losing side sometimes produces the best performance on the pitch.
Tomorrow: number 7.
