USA Stun European Champion Spain in South Africa
Going into the semifinal match between the USA and Spain at the FIFA Confederations Cup it was the USA who had nothing to lose. The European Champions, Spain were expected to continue their impressive winning streak and advance to the final.
According to where the money was going into the match Spain were raging hot favourites. A win for Spain would pay $1.22, a draw $5.25 and a USA win was to pay out $12.00. Clearly everyone thought this was going to be a win for Spain.
Spain were playing for a record of 16 consecutive wins as well as going past Brazil’s 35-match unbeaten run. Also on an individual level David Villa was trying become the first international player for some time to score in four consecutive matches. This perhaps detracted from Spains game as instead of trying to setup Fernando Torres he went for glory.
The USA opened the scoring in the 27th minute when Spanish based Jozy Altidore scored. He was able to get on the goal side of his defender as the ball was delivered to him.
Spain had several good chances throughout the match but could never find the back of the net. To make matters worse the USA went 2-0 up when Clint Dempsey scored at the 74 minute mark. It was once again a defensive error that allowed the goal. The ball had been crossed close to the Spanish goal. Instead of the defender clearing the ball on the first touch they controlled the ball only to see Dempsey poach it for the goal from close range.
There was no answer from Spain and perhaps the biggest upset in world football was complete.
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