USA shock Spain to reach Confederations Cup final
Torres' side could not match the work rate of the USA
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By James Christie. |  |
Wednesday, 24, Jun 2009 10:39
America have reached the final of the Confederations Cup in South Africa thanks to a surprise 2-0 win over European champions Spain.
Vicente del Bosque's men went into the game on a 15-game winning run but had that destroyed by a tenacious USA team who defended bravely and took their chances in attack.
Jozy Altidore scored in the first half before Fulham's Clint Dempsey sealed the match with 15 minutes to go.
The American's were able to blunt Spain's attacks in the first half with some tight defending against their dangerous strikers, Fernando Torres and David Villa.
By doing that they restricted Spain to shots from distance which failed to bother Tim Howard.
Indeed America looked the more likely to score in the opening period, first Charlie Davies spectacular scissor kick went a few feet over the crossbar and then Dempsey sent a low drive from 20 yards out just wide of the post.
The American's then got their reward for their strong play as Dempsey and Carlos Bocanegra combined to fashion a chance for Altidore.
The striker managed to hold off the attentions of Joan Capdevila before turning and hitting a shot from 15 yards out that Iker Casillas failed to palm away.
Just before half-time Spain created their best chance of the first 45 minutes. Torres finally found time and space inside the American box but Howard spread himself and saved with his legs.
Spain increased the pressure on the USA's goal in the second period, with Howard forced to make solid saves from two Cesc Fabregas shots from distance.
Sergio Ramos also rifled in a shot on the angle but the Everton stopper was able to get enough behind it.
With the game in the balance the USA were able to book their place in the final on a rare foray into the Spanish penalty area in the second half.
Landon Donovan found space on the right hand side and broke into the box. He squared the ball for Dempsey who, with Ramos off balance, was able to side foot the ball past Casillas from six yards out.
Before the final whistle Michael Bradley was given a red card for a challenge on Xavi but by then the match was over.
Had Spain won they would have set a new world record of 36 international matches without defeat.