Tim Howard not among FIFA finalists for World Cup goalkeeper award

Despite turning in one of the finest individual performances of the World Cup, a record 16-save performance against Belgium in the round of 16, U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard is not among the three finalists for FIFA’s Golden Glove award. Mexico’s Guillermo Ochoa, who enjoyed a tremendous tournament, was also passed over.

All three finalists were from teams that advanced to at least the quarterfinals: Costa Rica’s Keylor Navas, Germany’s Manuel Neuer and Argentina’s Sergio Romero.

Navas was spectacular throughout the Ticos’ improbable run and Neuer showed why he is regarded as perhaps the best keeper in the world. Romero’s selection is a head-scratcher; aside from the penalty kick tiebreaker with the Netherlands, he did not stand out.