USA beat favourites Spain 2-0 in the Confederation Cup semi-final match at Bloemfontein. Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey scored a goal each to take USA through to the finals. USA would meet the winners of Brazil-South Africa match to be played at Johannesburg on Thursday. 

This is Spain’s first overall defeat since November 2006. It is also the first defeat in 25 games. The Americans looked much a much better side thanks to sloppy defence by Spain. Jozy score the first goal in the first half, while Clint sealed the fate scoring second goal for USA in the second half. The World’s No 1 team was last defeated in a competitive game by Sweden in October 2006.

The US team was on the brink of elimination in the group stage. In the game, Spain could get only half chances as USA’s good defensive tactics frustrated the opponents. The likes of Xavi could not do much. Spain showed signs of coming back into the game, but Villa and Torres played uncharacteristic football and squandered the limited opportunity they got.

Spain’s gameplay improved to an extent in the second half. Heroic efforts were seen from Xavi and Riera, but the impeccable defence from the USA failed put paid to Spain’s efforts. The Americans were rewarded 20 minutes before full-time as Donovan’s cross provided an opportunity for Clint Dempsey to put the ball into the net. Michael Bradley was given a red card for trying to challenge Xavi, but the US team was almost done with the job.