CONFEDERATIONS CUP BETTING PICK - SPAIN V USA

Confederations Cup

2009-06-24 - Spain vs USA

A Sports Betting Pick by Auls

Spain v USA
Football: International, FIFA Confederations Cup
Wednesday 24th June 2009 - Kickoff 19:30

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Spain

Spain come into this match off the back of 15 consecutive international wins, a joint record, and also on the current run of 35 games without defeat, another record.

They have played 3 games in this tournament, beating the likes of South Africa, New Zealand and Iraq to ensure they topped the group and avoided Brazil until the Semi Finals. Their wins over their 3 group opponents was 5-0 over New Zealand, 1-0 over Iraq and 2-0 over the hosts South Africa.

These clean sheets now mean that Spain have only conceded 2 goals in their 15 match winning run.

Spain have a full strength squad to choose from here and we can expect the likes of Iker Casillas and Xabi Alonson back in the first 11.

United States of America

It was quite the surprise to see the USA qualify ahead of Egypt and Italy in Group B after they needed a 6 goal swing to give them a chance to do so. They beat Eqypt 3-0 in the final group game as the Italians lost 0-3 against Brazil in the other game to cause a complete turnaround in the group standings.

The USA, however, were comfortably beaten by the other 2 teams in the group as Italy beat them 3-1 and Brazil beat them 3-0.

It is possible that the United States will stick to the same 11 that beat Eqypt. Sacha Kljestan is back from suspension and Carlos Bocanegra is also available for selection.

Head to Head

Spain and the USA have met on 3 occasions but only 1 of those was in a competitive game, albeit at the 1950 World Cup.

Spain have won all 3 matches between the sides and have not conceded a goal to the USA in their last 2 matches. The last meeting between the sides ended 1-0 to Spain last year.

Prediction

Spain are on such a good run at the moment and I cannot see that momentum slowing down before their potential meeting with Brazil on Sunday. That very match good be a first meeting before the main one next year in the Final of the World Cup in South Africa.

The USA have achieved a real goal from qualifying from a group containing Brazil, Italy and Egypt, especially after their first 2 defeats. This could release the pressure off them and give them the opportunity to play without fear.

I think the Spanish are going to have too much quality for a USA side that conceded 6 goals in their matches against Brazil and Italy. The Spanish are keeping clean sheets and with the likes of Villa, Torres, Xavi and Fabregas in the side, I fully expect them to create chances. I will take Spain to win and cover the asian handicap.

The Pick :

BEST BETTING TIP :

Spain WIN