Tim Howard says US winning World Cup is 'literally impossible'

The United States' impressive showing after its first two matches in this year's World Cup has supporters dreaming big.

What if ... they keep playing this well? Could a Miracle on Grass − similar to the U.S. men's hockey team winning Olympic gold on home ice in 1980 − be possible?

Former USMNT goalkeeper Tim Howard quickly burst that bubble on his "Unfiltered Soccer" podcast with fellow national team alum Landon Donovan.

"The U.S. will need to play the greatest game they've ever played three times in a row," Howard said, before correcting himself. "Sorry, four games in a row! ... It is literally impossible for the U.S. to win the World Cup."

Donovan agreed that the U.S. team hasn't yet proven it can beat a top team. However, he did say the Americans "can absolutely compete against any team in this World Cup."

But so far, the results have been impressive.

The USMNT has already clinched a spot in the knockout round following a 2-0 victory over Australia on Friday, June 19. That win came on the heels of a tournament-opening 4-1 defeat of Paraguay.

Winning one or even two matches in the knockout round wouldn't be a stretch.

USA TODAY Sports ranked the USMNT No. 8 in its World Cup power rankings after all teams had played one game.

But even so, Howard remains steadfast in his skepticism of the U.S. going all the way: "That's just the reality."