Associated Press
Everything went right for the United States in the last round of Confederations Cup group play, both in its own game against Egypt and with other results that gave the team an unexpected passage through to the semifinals.
Against Spain, the stars will have to align even more for Bob Bradley's men to stand any hope against the reigning European champion. Here are a few steps the Americans can take to slightly increase the chances of what looks to be an impossible task.
1. Play Freddy Adu.
Banging the Adu drum won't do any good. Bradley simply isn't going to play him until he gets more regular club action under his belt. However, it should be remembered that the 20-year-old caused the Spanish a few concerns in a 1-0 friendly defeat in Santander last year, as Adu made an impact with his pace and imagination.
2. Hold your own in midfield.
Spain's plan will be built upon its magnificent midfield of Xavi, Cesc Fabregas and Xabi Alonso. That trio will be charged with controlling the game and setting up countless chances for the strike force of Fernando Torres and David Villa. USA midfielders Michael Bradley and Ricardo Clark must get physical and knock their awesome opponent off their stride or else the Americans will be completely overrun.
3. Take every chance.
Spain did not concede a single goal during its romp through Group A, seeing off New Zealand 5-0, Iraq 1-0 and South Africa 2-0. The U.S. faces a huge challenge in breaching that backline, but in any game, one or two chances should arise. That may be slim pickings, but failing to capitalize on any half-chances that come the USA's way could lead to a painful night.
4. Get lucky.
One thing is guaranteed in this game: Spain is going to move the ball at speed and stretch the USA defense whenever possible. Opportunities will certainly occur, and Torres and Villa are among the best in the world when it comes to finishing them off. Off-days for either of those sensational players are extremely rare, but Bradley's team sure could use one.
5. Hope the Spanish team bus gets lost on the way to the stadium.
Could be a long shot with this one, but with the unpredictable South African road system, who knows?
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