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Confederations Cup Preview: Spain - USA
The first semi-final of the Confederations Cup takes place on Wednesday evening with European Champions Spain taking on the United States...
23-Jun-2009 5:40:44 PM
Kick Off: Wednesday 24 June 2009. 20.30 CET. Free State Stadium, Mangaung/Bloemfontein
Whilst it was hard to see anyone but Spain topping Group A, few would have predicted that in this first semi-final they would not be meeting either Italy or Egypt, but in fact the United States. The Americans managed to turn around a goal difference of six in the final group stages and will be looking to cause another shock against the European Champions…
Spanish Success
Whilst Group B was full of shocks and surprises, Group A was much more routine, with Spain doing as was expected and winning all of their matches. They might not have been at their best against South Africa and Iraq but they managed to pick up all three points in both games and neither Iker Casillas nor Pepe Reina conceded a goal over the 270 minutes of football played.
Hence, they should come into the semi-finals full of confidence, especially as they are up against a side who were thrashed by Brazil and eventually beaten comfortably by a disappointing Italy team. No doubt Vicente Del Bosque will be telling his players not to get complacent though and they will have to be focused against the United States if they are to avoid an upset.
In their previous encounter with South Africa the Spanish side did show signs of weariness and one hopes that was simply due to the fact their qualification was already ensured, rather than the effects of a long season. Certainly there is no lack of motivation amongst the team and after beating the international record for consecutive wins, they can now beat Brazil’s record of 35 consecutive matches unbeaten if they win or draw this Wednesday.
The Power Of Six
Whilst Spain have been breaking records and winning games with ease over in Group A, the United States picked up just three points from their three matches, and yet somehow managed to progress. Heading into the final game with Egypt they needed to not only win and hope Brazil beat Italy, but also turn around a goal difference of six, something they managed to do after both games ended 3-0.
As a reward they have been paired with the European Champions in the semi-finals and will have to play as they did against Egypt, not as they did in either of their other two matches, if they are to cause a huge shock. Only if they are at their best and Spain are some way below theirs does it seem possible that they could win, but as they showed in the group stages, anything is possible.
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 Egypt 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 is 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, but instead he goes 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
James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com
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