The US will need a complete effort from their players to stand any chance of causing an upset against Spain in Wednesday's Confederations Cup semi-final, coach Bob Bradley said. The Gold Cup winners, who appear in the semi-final for the third time, face a stern test against an in-form Spain side as they bid to reach the final for the first time. "They play the ball quickly, the keep possession well and they have some special players," Bradley commented on Spain's free-flowing football. "But we have the ability to put their defense under pressure. It will take a good game plan and a complete effort from the players to beat them." The US are motivated by their remarkable comeback in the group stage. After losing their first two games against Italy and Brazil, the US crushed Egypt 3-0 to book a last-four berth ahead of the world champions on the number of goals scored. Tournament favorites Spain, on the other hand, faced no difficulty in finishing top of their group after claiming three victories over New Zealand, Iraq and South Africa.
Spain chasing record They set a new world record after securing their 15th consecutive victory at the expense of South Africa. Spain will be chasing another record on Wednesday. If they beat the US, they will stretch their unbeaten run to 36 games to surpass five-time world champions Brazil. "We have to be very careful," Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque said. "They have a very talented midfield that pushes upfield easily. They play very direct, attacking football." US goalkeeper Tim Howard is expected to regain his place between the sticks after Bradley opted to field Brad Guzan against Egypt. European champions Spain have no injury worries ahead of the game. The winners will face either Brazil or hosts South Africa, who meet on Thursday, in the tournament's final on Sunday.
