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This is our International news section where we provide any news items that might have a significant effect on the matches being played - or sports betting in general.

International News :: Confederations Cup Semi-final result - United States 2-0 Spain

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Posted on 2009-06-24 by Gooner

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The United States have beaten European champions Spain 2-0 to book a place in the final of the 2009 Confederations Cup in South Africa.

The Spaniards controlled possession at Bloemfontein's Free State Stadium, but the USA played a spirited 90 minutes in freezing temperatures, pulling off a historic victory with goals in each half from Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey.

After a slow start, though, the European champions Spain began to assert themselves and take control of possession, Barcelona creator Xavi leading the way. Cesc Fabregas saw his shot in the 12th minute fly over the bar, while Fernando Torres and David Villa both went close to opening the scoring.

Despite Spain's superior technique, the United States stole in and took the lead. After a lovely bit of interplay between Dempsey and Davies, Jozy Altidore shook off Joan Capdevila to control a pass and shoot from 18 yards. Casillas got a palm to it, but the Real Madrid goalkeeper simply could not deal with the power in the strike.

The Spaniards continued to dictate the pattern as the half wore on, Liverpool striker Fernando Torres was again denied, this time by a fine kick-save from Tim Howard with just seconds to go in the half.

Spain emerged from the changing rooms with renewed vigour, Villa turned brilliantly in the box after five minutes but Howard again was equal to the effort.

A bit of desperation looked to be creeping into the Spanish attack near the hour-mark. Villa, Torres and the ever-present Xavi were trying to force their way through an increasingly cohesive US rearguard, marshalled by giant centre-back Oguchi Onyewu. Last-ditch tackles and heroic blocks were coming to define the American resistance.

Sergio Ramos slammed off the post in the 64th minute as Spain's pressure was beginning to look irresistible. US coach Bradley brought on midfielder Benny Feilhaber for striker Davies, hoping to shore things up with a little under half an hour to go.

Then against the run of play, though, it was the Americans who got the crucial second goal. Clint Dempsey took advantage of a rare error by Ramos to poke home an opportunistic goal from six yards out.

The celebrations that followed were in perfect accord with the historic nature of the goal, and the eventual 2-0 victory over the reigning European champions.

However, they will line up in the ultimate match without holding midfielder Michael Bradley who was sent off with three minutes remaining for a two-footed lunge.

Match Statistics

Shots ---- Spain 29 United States 9
Corners -- Spain 17 United States 3
Possession Spain 56% United States 44%

Goals :
Jozy ALTIDORE (27')
Clint DEMPSEY (74')

 

Sourced From : Gooners Guide

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United States qualify for Confederations Cup semi-finals at odds of 700/1