FORM GUIDE
Spain
Jun 20 South Africa 0-2 Spain (Confederations Cup)
Jun 17 Spain 1-0 Iraq (Confederations Cup)
Jun 14 Spain 5-0 New Zealand (Confederations Cup)
Jun 09 Azerbaijan 0-6 Spain (Friendly)
Apr 1 Turkey 1-2 Spain (World Cup Qualifying)
United States
Jun 21 Egypt 0-3 United States (Confederations Cup)
Jun 18 Brazil 3-0 United States (Confederations Cup)
Jun 15 United States 1-3 Italy (Confederations Cup)
Jun 7 United States 2-1 Honduras (World Cup Qualifier)
Jun 4 Costa Rica 3-1 United States (World Cup Qualifier)
TEAM NEWS
Spain
Vicente Del Bosque gave Sergio Busquets and Alvaro Arbeloa a starting place against South Africa but it is unlikely that they will be in the eleven this Wednesday.
Sergio Ramos should return to the back line, whilst in midfield Xabi Alonso is expected to start alongside Cesc Fabregas, Xavi and Albert Riera.
Probable Line-Up (4-4-2): Casillas – Ramos, Puyol, Albiol, Capdevila – Fabregas, Alonso, Xavi, Riera – Torres, Villa
United States
Carlos Bocanegra could return to the American defence if he has recovered from a hamstring injury but chances are that he will yet again start from the bench.
Coach Bob Bradley is likely to stick with a similar side to that which beat Egypt, although he may well ask full-backs Jonathan Bornstein and Jonathan Spector to be less attacking.
Probable Line-Up (4-4-2): Howard – Spector, Onyewu, DeMerit, Bornstein – Dempsey, Bradley, Clark, Donovan – Davies, Altidore
PLAYER TO WATCH
Spain
With Spain likely to see the lion’s share of the possession on Wednesday evening the midfielders could be the key, and in particular Barcelona star Xavi. Rarely does the experienced Catalan dazzle with tricks and skills, instead going about his business quietly but effectively, and the United States cannot give him time and space to pick a pass.
United States
Clint Dempsey grabbed the third and vital goal for the United States against Egypt and he will be hoping to add to his tally on Wednesday. The Fulham man will have to work hard against the likes of Joan Capdevila down the flank but if he can get space he could be a threat.
PREDICTION
One thing that is clear from the group stages is that you can never rule out the United States, but it is hard to see them taking from anything from this match against Spain. The European Champions might have looked tired at times during this tournament but they usually know how to perform in big games and should make it to the final.
Spain 2-0 United States
