Jonathan Spector has helped the United States to the FIFA Confederations Cup final after a stunning 2-0 victory against European champions Spain.
The West Ham United defender has played every minute of the US's campaign in South Africa and turned in a professional display in Wednesday night's success in Bloemfontein. The Americans had lost 3-1 and 3-0 to Italy and Brazil respectively in their first two group games of a tournament held for FIFA's continental champions - but a 3-0 defeat of Egypt in their final fixture booked their place in the semi-finals.
Few had given them a chance though against Spain, with the Euro 2008 winners having won a record-breaking 15 straight games and been unbeaten for a total of 35 matches. Yet the US coped admirably with the predictable Spanish pressure and then took the lead in the 27th minute through Jozy Altidore's good turn and shot. Clint Dempsey doubled the advantage in the 74th minute after a quick US counterattack.
The US had to survive the late scare of having the outstanding Michael Bradley sent off as Spain searched for a way back into the contest. However, the back-four - with the 23-year-old Spector a key part at right-back on his 17th international appearance - stood firm to book a place in Sunday night's final against either Brazil or South Africa, who meet on Thursday night.