USA Vs Spain: Which Americans Should Play a Part?

The USA failed to impress against Brazil and had an average game against Italy, but proved their critics wrong with a much improved game against Egypt.

With that result plus a little help from Brazil, the Stars and Stripes were able to move to the semifinal round of the FIFA Confederations Cup. The team can look ahead to the next round, which will be played against European champions Spain.

The last time the USA played Spain, La Furia Roja won 1-0 in a closely contested match. But for now, let's take a look at some of the selections the USA can make for their starting 11 in this next game.

Goalkeeper

Now that Brad Guzan has had an impressive Confederations Cup debut against Egypt, there can finally be some competition for this position in the US camp. Tim Howard had a long season for Everton, which may be why he wasn't performing so well in the first two matches.

Guzan, however, who plays backup for American goalkeeper Brad Friedel at Aston Villa, was solid between the sticks against Egypt. Guzan didn't punch the ball out into more danger like Howard did.

My choice: Brad Guzan

Defense

The central defense was under question after the Brazil match, but now Jay DeMerit and Oguchi Onyewu have finally show some cooperation. Those two also have done very well in the air. At right back, Jonathan Spector had a solid showing, and is the clear choice to fill this position.

Jonathan Bornstein wasn't the most solid of left backs. Since Onyewu and DeMerit are doing very well in the center, if Bocanegra can make a return from injury, i would slot Bocanegra in at left back instead of Bornstein, although that is probably not going to happen.

Midfield

Michael Bradley always puts his heart into a game, so he obviously holds a starting spot. I would put him in as a holding midfielder. On the left wing, I would put Jose Torres, who is probably itching to play. On the right, I would slot in Landon Donovan.

The last time the USA played Spain, the USA's main playmaker was Freddy Adu. He probably would have found a way to score if he hadn't been taken off at halftime. I would put in Adu as the attacking midfielder. Either that or put Adu on the left, take out Torres, and slot Feilhaber in as the attacking midfielder.

Clint Dempsey should be rested. Sure, he looked like he wanted to prove his critics wrong in the Egypt game (and in a way he did), but he also looked really tired.

Perhaps coming on as a sub would be best for him, so he can be rested ahead of the final match of the tournament, whether it be the final or the third place match. And I trust the guys picked not to give away the ball so easily.

Forwards

Jozy Altidore has been a regular starter for the USA in the Confederations Cup, and I would stick with him. I would also stick with Charlie Davies partnering him. Davies did really well and didn't give up. He scored a goal against Egypt and did very well.

Obviously, I haven't seen the team training, so I don't really know the current form of the players who haven't been playing regularly for their clubs, like Freddy Adu.

Still, if I was the coach, and he was doing well, then I would definitely give him a chance. Also, guys like Torres or Feilhaber should be given more chances too.

This the team that I would like to see starting against Spain.

GK: Brad Guzan

RB: Jonathan Spector

CB: Oguchi Onyewu

CB: Jay DeMerit

LB: Jonathan Bornstein

RM: Landon Donovan

DM: Michael Bradley

AM: Benny Feilhaber

LM: Freddy Adu

S: Jozy Altidore

S: Charlie Davies

Who would you like to see playing against the European champions?