Photo by ISIphotos.com
Spain hadn't lost in 35 games, and had only tasted victory for 15 straight matches. Considered the unquestioned best team in the world, the Spanish national team was supposed to steamroll a U.S. team that barely reached the Confederations Cup semifinal.
Nobody told the United States.
The Americans delivered one of the best, most complete and gutsiest performance in American soccer history, scoring goals in each half to upset Spain, 2-0, to earn an improbable place in the Confederations Cup final.
Jozy Altidore scored in the 27th minute off a pass from Clint Dempsey, who wrapped up the victory with a 74th minute finish to send the United States to the final and drop Spain into the tournament's third-place match.
Yes, you just read all that, and no, it's not April Fool's Day.
Combining timely finishing and composed and tough defending, the Americans frustrated the normally dazzling Spain, which had no answers in suffering its first loss since 2006.
The U.S. team put together one of the best defensive performances in national team history, with Tim Howard making clutch saves, Oguchi Onyewu winning everything in the air and Jay DeMerit keeping pressure on the nine-figure strike force of David Villa and Fernando Torres.
U.S. coach Bob Bradley started Howard in goal and Carlos Bocanegra at left back, but the rest of the team is the same squad that beat Egypt. They delivered yet another strong showing, repaying their coach's confidence.
U.S. stars Landon Donovan joined Dempsey in delivering a top-class performance, providing help defensively as well as pressuring Spain's defense.
Now the U.S. national team will play in the Confederations Cup final on Sunday against the winner of South Africa-Brazil.
What did you think of today's victory? What players impressed you the most? Are you still in shock? Think the Americans will bring home the trophy?
Share your thoughts below.