U.S. shock Spain to reach Confederations final

By Mike Collett
BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa (Reuters) - United States scored their finest win for almost 60 years by beating European champions Spain 2-0 on Wednesday to reach the final of the Confederations Cup.
Goals from Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey sank the world's top-ranked team. It ended Spain's world record run of 15 successive victories and their 35-match unbeaten sequence, a world record streak they share with Brazil.
However, the match ended in bitter-sweet agony for U.S. coach Bob Bradley when his son Michael, who had a brilliant game in midfield, was sent off three minutes from time. He now misses Sunday's final against Brazil or hosts South Africa.
Overall though it was the best performance by the U.S. since they beat England 1-0 in the 1950 World Cup in Brazil.
It was also the first time the U.S. had beaten a team ranked number one in FIFA's world rankings since they defeated Brazil in 1998.
The result was even more remarkable because the U.S. had lost their opening two group matches in the competition and were heading out until they beat Egypt 3-0 on Sunday and Brazil sank Italy by the same score as they squeezed through on goal difference.
AMERICAN GRIT
The fact the Americans are now in the final is testimony to their grit, determination and battling qualities.
Coach Bradley said: "That was a great team effort, to beat a team like Spain, it's big.
"We played as hard as we could, everyone played their part. That's what it took, a great effort.
"We will take a few hours to regroup now but we will be ready for the final. We are so excited about this."
Both sets of players left the field in tears, the Americans crying with joy and the Spaniards frustrated after being thwarted by a superb defensive effort and the outstanding Tim Howard, who made an endless string of stunning saves.
Spain fell behind for the first time in the tournament through Altidore.
He muscled Villarreal club mate Joan Capdevila off the ball, turned and eluded Carles Puyol to score after Iker Casillas could only palm his shot on to the inside of his own post and into the net after 27 minutes.
The second goal came in the 74th when the Spanish defense failed to deal with a cross from Landon Donovan and Dempsey swiveled to beat Casillas from close range. Continued...
Source: Reuters