Americans Stun Spain and Gain Final

[iandhr]

Source: NY TIMES

BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa — A surprise advance to the semifinals of the Confederations Cup seemed to awaken the United States’ belief in itself. Previous caution strengthened into assertiveness Wednesday as the Americans earned one of their greatest victories, a startling 2-0 win over Spain, the world’s top-ranked soccer team.

The United States scored goals by Jozy Altidore in the 27th minute and Clint Dempsey in the 74th minute, defeating a top-ranked team for the first time since a 1-0 victory over Brazil at the 1998 Gold Cup. The United States is now 2-7-1 against the world’s No. 1 teams.

The victory halted Spain’s 35-game unbeaten streak, handing the Spanish their first defeat since November 2006. The Americans now advance to the final Sunday to face the winner of Thursday’s semifinal between South Africa and Brazil, the five-time World Cup winner. Brazil defeated the Americans, 3-0, in their earlier meeting in this tournament.

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/25/sports/soccer/25soccer.html?_r=1&ref=sports

---

USA USA USA USA

[newscott]

1. I'm shocked

This is great news for US Soccer!!!!!!!!!

[Ohio Joe]

2. Wow

Congrats!

[MellowDem]

3. We just put a Spanish Inquisition on their asses!

;)

[bertman]

4. GOOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLs

[nevergiveup]

5. Oh my!

If you are into soccer, this is huge.

[rapturedbyrobots]

10. yes

a huge load of crap!

[RedCloud]

6. bring on Brazil!

About time!

[KeepItReal]

7. How kewl is that?

Kudos team!!

[sasquatch]

8. Eat it Spain!

:D

[paparush]

9. The USA played their collective asses off and took advantage of their opportunities

oh, and they defended like mad. They scrambled some at the back at times, but Howard stayed HUGE in the goal and Jay Demerrit played like a man possessed.

And this was no 3rd team no-names from Spain..this was THE team.

Huge accomplishment for the USA.

Brazil plays S. Africa tomorrow to fill out the other final slot.