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Spain v USA (1st Semifinal)

Date: Wednesday 24th June 2009

Venue: Bloemfontein

Kickoff: 19:30 GMT

The Spanish juggernaut faces surprise package USA in the first semifinal on Wednesday night. Spain have had an easy ride so far in the tournament and will be vary of slipping up against a motivated (and lucky) United States side. Can the USA ride their luck and make it to the final, or will we see Spain reach their second final in two years in style

Spain

Spain got through a surprisingly easy group, defeating South Africa, New Zealand and Iraq without conceding a goal or getting out of second gear.

The USA will offer a slightly tougher test than Iraq or South Africa, but this well-oiled machine have only themselves to worry about – if they can control the game as they are masters at doing, this should be just another step to their second international title in two years.

USA

When the USA lost 3-0 to Brazil in the first second game of the Confederations Cup, fans and critics alike turned on the team. Bradley lacked tactical sense, the players lacked motivation and with Egypt putting in a strong showing against Italy, there was a significant chance of the USA being embarrassed on the international stage.

They didn’t buckle. The defeat against Brazil was followed by a 3-0 win against Egypt, and coupled with Brazil steamrolling Italy 3-0, the USA were the unlikely runners-up in Group B and in the semifinal.

In Spain they’ll be facing a team in better form than Brazil, possessing more talent than Italy and with more pride at stake than Egypt. Getting to the semis was the minimum expectation (never mind the tough group) but now that they’re here, a win will be dreamed about and expected, at least until reality sets in during the first half.

Watch the Spain v USA semifinal live online.