Howard Expected to Play on Friday Despite Possible Broken Ribs

United States goalkeeper Tim Howard got spiked in the midsection challenging a crossed ball in Saturdays' World Cup opener. Howard was sprawled on the field for several minutes in pain before being helped to his feet. He stayed in the game, and provided the leadership and clutch stops needed to bring the US and England to a draw.

In medical evaluations since, there has been speculation that Howard may have broken multiple ribs in the collision. Officially, he's listed as having bruised ribs. Regardless of the exact diagnosis, Howard is expected to play -- fortunately -- for the Americans in Friday's match with Slovenia.

Slovenia leads Group C right now, albeit with a win over Algeria. Still, most would expect that the United States and England will be the two teams to advance from the group. You can be sure that the US will take nothing for granted, though; with a win, Slovenia would actually clinch a birth in the knockout round. That would not only put all of the pressure on the US to win their final match with Algeria, but it would most likely cause them to need some help from another squad, as well.

All things considered, match two of the pool play round is huge for the Americans. Call it a must-win, call it a can't-lose -- no matter how you break it down, the magnitude is staggering. And I think we can all be grateful that Tim Howard -- broken ribs or not -- will be between the pipes leading the red, white, and blue.