It’s not been a good week for Spanish football – with the Under 21s beaten by England and sent crashing out of the Euro finals - and now the full national team have become the victims of one of the biggest upsets in world football.
The multi-talented Spain side, the European Champions, have been humbled big time by the United States of America, whose 2-0 win in the Confederations Cup is on a par, possibly better, than their earth-shattering 1-0 win over England in 1950.
On that memorable occasion, Joe Gaetjens was the US hero – in South Africa last night Jozy Altidore and
Fulham's Clint Dempsey wrote their names into not just American football history, but world history to boot.
The defeat ended Spain's world record of 15 straight wins and their 35-match unbeaten run.
"It's exciting, a great team effort. To beat an amazing team like Spain and make the final, it's big," said US coach Bob Bradley.
"We played as hard as we could and that's what it took. Every guy contributed, so it's a very good feeling."
US captain Carlos Bocanegra added: "I think it just shows that we can compete with the best. Now we need to do it on a consistent basis."
"It goes to show what hard work and commitment to each other can bring," stated US goalkeeper
Tim Howard, who made crucial saves to deny David Villa and
Fernando Torres.
"Football is a funny thing."
Spain boss Vicente Del Bosque refused to be too downhearted after the shock reverse in Bloemfontein and insisted: "This is an accident, a little step backward. We have to look forward with optimism."
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