In what is being considered one of the biggest upsets in US Men's National Team history, Jozy Altidore and Clint Demspey scored goals as they defeated world number-one ranked Spain, 2-0, Wednesday in the semifinals of the FIFA Confederations Cup tournament in South Africa.
For a US team that lost its opening two games of pool play then shut out Egypt last Sunday in the final game of Group B play and, with the help of a Brazil win over Italy the same day, qualified for the semifinals in this 2010 World Cup warmup event, the improbable tournament run continues for the team ranked 14th in the latest world rankings.
Prior to Wednesday, the US had only won one game out of nine against top-ranked teams in team history -- a 1998 victory over Brazil at the CONCACAF Gold Cup. The US also tied Argentina last summer in an exhibition game and was winless against Spain in three previous games.
With the loss, Spain saw the following happen:
- A 451-minute span of time without allowing an opposing goal was snapped when Altidore scored in the 27th minute
- A world-record 15-consecutive-game winning streak ended
- A world-record-tying 35-match unbeaten streak ended
They have also given up three goals in the last 17 games, dating back to the European Championship last summer.
The US, playing in its first major tournament final in team history, will face the winner of Thursday's other semifinal game between Brazil and the host country of South Africa Sunday.
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