Spain and the USA will face off in the Confederations Cup first semifinal on Wednesday. The teams couldn't have taken more differing paths to the knockout stages.
Spain are riding a 15 game winning streak and easily cast off all three teams in the group stage. New Zealand, Iraq, and South Africa all fell by the wayside. The team rotated heavily but still didn't concede a goal, scoring eight along the way.
The Americans, on the other hand, had to break quite a sweat. After losing the opening two games, the U.S. was facing elimination in the face with zero points. Then, on the last day of the group stages, the miraculous happened. Egypt came out flat, and the Americans spanked them, 3-0. In the other group match, Italy had to lose by three for the U.S. to make up a six goal differential. The Brazilians obliged, and won by a similar 3-0 scoreline to put USA shockingly through.
Now the two teams face off. Read the thoughts of the Goal.com editors about who is going to win.
Goal.com Magazine editor Greg Lalas
in Bloemfontein, South Africa
It's cold in Bloemfontein, and one can imagine the chilly night air affecting the Spaniards' play. The US is riding high on the momentum of the Miracle in Rustenburg. But in the end Spain's midfield, particularly the incomparable Xavi and Andres Iniesta, will be able to overcome the less illustrious counterparts, Michael Bradley and Ricardo Clark. They will wear down the US and two goals will come. But the US will make a good impression. Spain, 2-1.
Associate editor Shane Evans:
"The U.S. and Spain are set to battle, but for my money, I don't think it's going to be much of a competition. Spain is superior on all parts of the pitch and will take the game to Bob Bradley's man quickly. I can see a small settling in period, but I believe after about 20 minutes or so, the Spanish midfield will take over and make life very hard for the U.S. Because of this, I could see the score ballooning to 2-0 before halftime with a final score or 3-0. If the USA wins, I'll take up ballet lessons."
Mexico editor Luis Bueno:
"Spain has a record streak intact and has looked virtually unbeatable against their Confederations Cup competition thus far. The Americans survived 3-1 and 3-0 first-round losses and miraculously reached the semifinals. Does that forebode a one-sided Spanish victory? Not even close. At this stage of tournaments, anything goes. The U.S. is primed for a great performance and can play without any pressure at this point. Spain will still prevail but it will be a hard-fought, close victory. Spain, 2-1."
Associate editor Allen Ramsey:
"So much to predict. Spain wins 3-1. I like the U.S. to net once because Spain is likely to come out very relaxed, and the U.S. is riding a hot streak. The goal does nothing but piss off Spain, opening the flood gates for David Villa and Xavi to push home goals before the break. Down a goal and pressing for much of the second half the U.S. will be caught out for the third, a stunner on the counter from Fernando Torres."
Women's soccer editor Kathryn L. Knapp:
"Spain vs. USA will be a good match. The Americans should put up a good fight. However unless they take advantage of a set-piece early on, they won’t get one past Spain. The Spaniards have outscored opponents 8-0, posting all wins in the first round of the Confederations Cup. Two players – David Villa and Fernando Torres have three goals each. They’ll be tough to stop. It’s safe to say from front to back the Americans will have their hands full."
Chief editor Andrea Canales:
"I predict that the U.S. will hold Spain scoreless in a shocker, as the European giants have an off day. The game will thus come down to a penalty shootout, where, in another shocker, Landon Donovan will miss. Casillas will be the big hero, as Spain marches on, but with a scare from the U.S."
Associate editor Zac Lee Rigg:
"Bob Bradley on the last time the U.S. played Spain: 'We did a pretty good job. But then they wore us down. It didn’t feel good. Then we watched the Euros and we saw them wear Russia down and Holland down and eventually Germany down. I told the guys we should take note of that.' Taking note and stopping are two different things. Bradley will have another chance to take note in a U.S. loss."
