United States-Spain: Confederation Cup Semifinal Preview

After shockingly coming into the Confederation Cup semifinal based on goals scored after a 3-0 Italian defeat to Brazil and a 3-0 U.S. win over Egypt, the United States will now head into the Free State Stadium on June 24 to take on Spain.

However, Spain is currently ranked No. 1 in FIFA's World Ranking and hasn't lost in a record 35 straight matches—they will be the toughest test yet for the Americans during this cup run.

Here is a preview of what to expect from both the Americans and the Spanish during this match.

United States

Despite having several recent disappointing games in World Cup qualifying and losing two games in the group stage of the Confederation Cup, the Americans have now surprisingly snuck their way into the Confederation Cup semifinal. But, they will now face Spain: the No. 1 team in the world. 

They were able to play well in their last game against Egypt without starting keeper Tim Howard, and they finally got production from several key players—such as Clint Dempsey—during their last game, which allowed them to get into this round based on goal differential.

In this game, the main key for America is to make sure that they don't sit back and allow Spain to completely control the game, as that will give the Americans no chance at all of winning the game.

The Americans are also going to have to have their offense to finish any chances that they get, as Spain will likely control the possession of the ball for a large portion of the game.

They also need to build on their win over Egypt in their last game, as they will help them become a stronger team on the pitch.

The final item that needs to be accomplished if they are going to win is that they need to not be intimidated by Spain and play their best brand of football possible.

If the U.S. can do all of this, they will have a great chance of succeeding in this match.

Spain

After not losing a game in a record 35 consecutive matches and blowing past New Zealand, Iraq, and South Africa in the first round, the Spanish will now be looking at defeating the Americans as they aim to make it to the final.

With an attack led by Fernando Torres, David Villa, and Cesc Fábregas, the Spanish are a ferocious attacking team, and are arguably the toughest team to beat on the planet.

The main key in this match for Spain is to use that great offensive attack to score their goals.

They will also need to score to bury the Americans as quickly as they possibly can because if they don't, that will inspire the Americans to potentially play better than Spain.

The defense must play a complete and full game against the Americans, as their attack could score if they get a good enough chance.

And finally, the Spanish will need to not overlook the Americans during this match, as this could cost them the match.

If Spain can do all of this, they will have a great chance of winning this match and advancing onto the final.

Finally, this match between the Spain and the United States hopefully will be a great match between these two sides and their respective nations, as they both look to head onto the Confederation Cup final in what will hopefully become a very memorable match for both sides.