Nobody expected the United States to beat Spain today. Spain is the #1 ranked team in the world and carried a 35 match unbeaten streak into the meeting. The U.S. was lucky to even advance after defying the odds to get the necessary goal tiebreaker in the opening round. But team USA, a side that on paper should never beat Spain, somehow pulled together and shocked the world.

The match started with open play from both sides, with each team getting a couple of quality chances in the opening minutes. Then the U.S. scored a goal on the foot of Jozy Altidore. In the 2nd half, Spain peppered the U.S. defense with shot after shot, but miraculously Tim Howard, Oguchi Onyewu and Co. held. A goal from Clint Dempsey gave the USA a bit more security, but Michael Bradley’s red card left them in perilous territory in the final minutes. It was no matter – the defense continued to hold, and the U.S. now has a spot in the Confederations Cup Final against either Brazil or South Africa.

This win over Spain will be talked about for years to come, unless the U.S. also ends up knocking off Brazil come Saturday. In this pre-World Cup tune-up, the United States has made a powerful statement about their chances next year. But they’re not done yet.

More photos: Yahoo!

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