Confederations Cup: Spain vs. United States
That the U.S. even reached the Confederations Cup semifinals after losing its first two games of the tournament in thorough fashion is a minor miracle. But the Americans’ reward for that is superpower Spain on Wednesday afternoon U.S. time from South Africa.
Spain has opened as a big -425 money line favorite on WagerWeb.com.
All the Spanish have done is win 15 games in a row and gone unbeaten for 35 games. No wonder it is the No. 1 team in the world and the European champion.
“Spain’s a big test, the best team in the world right now, 35 games unbeaten, so it’s definitely easier for us to go into the game knowing that maybe it’s their time to lose,” said American Charlie Davies, who had a goal in Sunday’s win over Egypt that got the U.S. to this round.
The U.S. is 0-3 against Spain, losing 3-1 in the first round of the 1950 World Cup, 2-0 in a 1992 exhibition and 1-0 in an exhibition on June 4 last year.
“They have less pressure. They have nothing to lose. For them, it’s a positive that we assume the title of favorite, the responsibility and the pressure,” Spanish midfielder Xavi Hernandez said. “We assume the mantle of favorites but it won’t be an easy match. Not at all.”
Tim Howard will return in goal for the Americans after Brad Guzan was in net for Sunday’s win over Egypt. Carlos Bocanegra has nearly recovered from a hamstring problem that prevented the United States captain from playing in the group phase.
With a win today, Spain would break the record for an unbeaten streak, currently held by Brazil from December 1993 to January 1996. Spain has been the class of this eight-team tournament thus far, cruising through the first round with a 3-0 record and outscoring their opponents 8-0. Fernando Torres and David Villa have combined for eight goals.
The U.S. is the first team in the history of the FIFA World Cup or the FIFA Confederations Cup to advance to the next round with a 1-2-0 group record. The United States advanced ahead of Italy based on goals scored, 4-3.
The Americans, who are +950 on WagerWeb.com, are 0-5-1 against top-five teams under coach Bob Bradley and 1-7-1 all-time against No. 1 teams.
The winner of this match faces most likely Brazil in the final.
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