Ex-USMNT star sets USA's benchmark for successful World Cup, talks excitement of final being in his home state

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For Tim Howard, this year's World Cup is a full-circle moment.

Raised in central New Jersey and becoming pro in his home state, the World Cup final will be held roughly 35 miles away from where the former United States Men's National Team goaltender grew up.

When the bidding for the final took place, Howard knew exactly where it had to be played.

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Tim Howard of the United States makes a save during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium at Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador, Brazil, on July 1, 2014. (Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)

"I heard Dallas, and I love Dallas. Good, good town, but I just said the World Cup final could only really ever be in one place, and it had to be in the New York, New Jersey area," Howard told Fox News Digital in a recent interview.

"I've never been to a World Cup final. I have never been around a World Cup final. I'm 47 years old, I've only ever seen the World Cup final on TV. So, you know, to be in New York during it, it's sort of crazy to think about. It's pinch myself sort of territory."

Howard has never been to a World Cup final, because his USA squads never got to one. In fact, no USA team has ever made it. And Howard doesn't exactly expect this one to make it either.

But there is a mark that this year's team does have to reach in order for the World Cup to not be considered a failure for the Stars and Stripes.

Tim Howard, goalkeeper for the United States, plays during a game against Azerbaijan at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California,