Spain wary of "evolved" U.S. team

By Brendon Hanley Jun 23, 2009, 18:40 GMT

Bloemfontein, South Africa - Having already conquered the record for most consecutive international victories, at 15 and counting, Spain can surpass Brazil's mark of 35 matches unbeaten when they meet the United States in the Confederations Cup semi-final Wednesday.

But the records and the title of prohibitive favourites might put more 'pressure' on the world's number one team, admitted midfield playmaker Xavi on Tuesday ahead of the contest.

'We accept that we are favourites, but the US will not be an easy opponent to beat,' said the Barcelona star, who scored the only goal in Spain's 1-0 victory over the Americans last June in a friendly. 'If we are favoured, then the United States have nothing to lose.'

Coach Vicente del Bosque was adamant that Spain didn't feel 'superior' to the three-time Confed Cup semi-finalists and was more specific about the threats posed by the North American champions

'They have very athletic players,' said the former Real Madrid boss, who singled out US all-time caps-leader Landon Donovan and Fulham forward Clint Dempsey as dangermen.

'As a team, they have a very fast counter-attack. If we leave too many spaces, we could be in danger because they can play very directly,' he explained.

Del Bosque singled out the midfield as the place that Spain will need to control the match. It's a sentiment that Xavi agreed with.

'They have a lot of talent, especially in midfield,' he said. 'They look strong at this tournament. Their football has clearly evolved.'

And though the Spanish have talked openly about their potential match-up in the final with Brazil, who meet South Africa in the other semi-final, they are careful to stress that they are not overlooking the States.

'In this team, we have a very clear idea that we need to play game by game,' said Del Bosque. 'You can see that by what we have done so far.

It would be really terrible for us not to recognize the danger of the United States and lose now,' he said.

Del Bosque also dismissed talk that their path through Group A, where they won all three of their matches without conceding a goal, had been slight.

'It has not been easy for us,' he said. 'We only beat Iraq 1-0 and playing South Africa as hosts is no small thing.'