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Soccer Stunner: US Tops No. 1 Spain

By John Johnson, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 24, 2009 4:11 PM CDT

(Newser) – In an upset of enormous proportions in the soccer world, the US knocked off mighty Spain today to reach the finals of the Confederations Cup, reports the BBC. Top-ranked Spain hadn’t lost a game since November 2006, the AP adds. The 2-0 victory moves the US men’s team into its first-ever finals in a FIFA tournament, where it will face Brazil or host South Africa on Sunday.

Jozy Altidore scored in the 27th minute and Clint Dempsey in the 74th, and goalie Tim Howard made several clutch saves to preserve the victory. It’s a miracle the US even made it this far: To get into the semis, it needed to beat Egypt by 3 goals (which the Americans did, 3-0) and hope Italy lost by 3 goals (which it did, 3-0, courtesy of Brazil).

[Images (3)]

[Videos (1)]

USA's Clint Dempsey controls the ball as Spain's Sergio Ramos looks on. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

USA's Landon Donovan, left, and teammate Carlos Bocanegra celebrate. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)

USA's Carlos Bocanegra, left, celebrates with teammate Jonathan Bornstein. (AP Photo/Paul Thomas)

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The US upsets Spain in men's soccer. (YouTube)

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