2009 South Africa Confederation Cup Semifinals

USA 2-0 Spain

The upset of the year. Yes the so so performing U.S. team, who barely beat Honduras at home knocked-out the number one team in the world, Spain out of Confederation’s Cup final.

The team who was on verge of elimination early in the competition beat the mighty Spain 2-0.

The Americans knew they had a slim chance for reaching the final but they started the match without fear and that payed off in the 25th minute. 19-year-old Jozy Altidore who play in Spain for Villareal, opened the scoring with an 18 yard shot. Goalie Iker Casillas tried to stop the ball but it deflected of his his hand into the net.

Later Dempsey had a big chance to score but missed Donovan’s free kick.

The second half saw a different Spanish team. Attack after attack was coming toward the USA but Tim Howard and the U.S. defense line were a bulletproof.

Dempsey who moved to forward after Davies was substituted, scored in the 73rd minute with a sliding shot.

Spain had a couple more scoring chances but once again Howard stopped them.

Unfortunately USA finished the match with 10 men after Bradley received a red card in the 86th minute.

This victory ended Spain’s run of 15 successive wins.

“For us it’s a big night,” said coach Bob Bradley. Huge victory for United States team who will meet Brazil in the finals.

Brazil 1-0 South Africa

After laboring hard for most of the match Brazil beat host country South Africa on a goal by substitute Daniel Alves.

South Africa’s tight defense was the main reason for Brazil’s only 1-0 win. It took the five time world champions 88 minutes before they scored the winning goal.

They need to play lot better against USA if they want to win the Cup again.

South Africa will meet Spain for the third place.

ESPN2 is showing both matches live on Sunday.

Please return for the latest results and commentary about the Confederation Cup.