Reasons That the USA beat Spain

The USA pulled off one of the biggest upsets in US Soccer history, by defeating the #1 team in the world, Spain. Not only that, but because of this game, Spain's unbeaten streak and winning streak were snapped (which were world records too).

Now let's take a look at some of the players and the characteristics they have that helped pull off this MASSIVE upset.

Tim Howard's Great Goalkeeping

Tim Howard did not let a single ball hit the back of the net in an amazing goalkeeping display.

So many times he was able to pull off great saves against the powerful shots from players like Fernando Torres, David Villa, and Xabi Alonso.

He earned man of the match honors from many watching this game, and today he proved that he truly does rank among the greatest goalkeepers in the world currently.

Landon Donovan's Work Rate

Landon Donovan was all over the field today. One minute he was orchestrating the attack, the next, he was sweeping away a cross from one of the Spanish wingers.
Donovan also did very well staying calm and passing instead of forcing a long ball up the field.
And finally, he set up Clint Dempsey's goal with a teasing ground cross. He continues to exemplify the American spirit in this tournament as he has done in the previous matches.

The Defense's Solidity

Jay DeMerit and Oguchi Onyewu's partnership is quickly becoming an extremely solid pairing. These two can not be beat in the air, and the low crosses that are put into the box are easily swept out by one or the other. Neither is afraid to take on a challenge and this could prove to be an even better pairing than Onyewu+Bocanegra.

Clint Dempsey's Perseverance

Clint Dempsey has shown time and again that he is no fluke, and he has proved it too, by scoring in two very important consecutive games. But even more than that, is the fact that he never gives up by chasing after loose balls and never gives up on offensive plays.

Dempsey also showed great versatility by being able to change from defending against Sergio Ramos to making offensive runs.

In the end, he was rewarded with a well deserved goal, one which sealed a HUGE upset and a spot in the FIFA Confederations Cup final.

Bocanegra's Return

Carlos Bocanegra had a nagging hamstring injury for the first three matches of the Confederations Cup, but his return has brought more solidity to the backline and the left back slot, the position which Bocanegra played against Spain.

Bocanegra's return as captain brought solidity to a position that was a bit shaky with Bornstein filling in for the group stage of the tournament. His offensive crosses were also very dangerous and created a few of the USA's opportunities.

Plus, it probably gave the USA more confidence with their captain back.

Jozy Altidore's strike

This one is a bit obvious but it's true. The 19 year old's strike was the game winner against the number one team in the world. Yes, that's right, I said 19 years.

Though his inexperience was shown by some of his decision making and passing, his outrageous turn on his own Villareal teammate, Capdevila, and the ensuing strike resulted in a goal that beat one of the greatest goalkeepers in the world.

This boy has the ability to be greater than even Brian McBride, and hopefully he can score more in the future and score important goals too.