USA caused one of the biggest upsets in international football history by beating Spain 2-0 in Bloemfontein tonight to reach the Confederations Cup final.

Most would have predicted Spain to win this match with ease, judging by their performance in the group games.

But Vicente del Bosque's men had only faced New Zealand, Iraq and South Africa in the lead up, and with all respect to those teams, the Americans were always going to be a tougher proposition and their tight marking of potent forwards, Villa and Torres, proved highly successful.

Embarrassment was not in Spain's script, so they upped their game and came close to equalising just before the break when the USA's goalie, Howard, was forced to save low with his feet after Torres sold Bocanegra the sweetest of dummies from six yards.

The pressure on the USA defence increased tenfold after the interval with Everton number one Howard forced to make quality saves from Fabregas, twice from long range, and Ramos, who rifled in an angled drive at the near post.

Spain surged forward but could not find a way past the solid American defence.

Most significantly, the US prevented Spain from setting a new world record of 36 matches without defeat.