U.S. euphoric after upset of Spain

BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa (AP) - Landon Donovan's father e-mailed him a photo of the United States ice hockey team's upset of the Soviet Union at the 1980 Olympics before Wednesday's game.

After upsetting European champion Spain 2-0, U.S. coach Bob Bradley compared it to the Americans' 1-0 victory over England at the 1950 World Cup.

It was that kind of night for the U.S., one in which emotions mixed with history.

"It's always important to look at the milestones and it began with that one with England. But there have been many more since and we're just glad to add to the list," Bradley said upon reaching the Confederations Cup final - the first FIFA men's final at any level for the Americans.

The opponent on Sunday will be either five-time World Cup champion Brazil or host South Africa - and at this point the Americans believe they're capable of beating either team.

"Sure. We just beat the best team in the world," Donovan said. "Emotionally we're on a bit of a high. We might be a little tired physically but we'll be ready for it. We don't play in a lot of finals."

Donovan was taken aback when a reporter asked him if beating Spain could be compared to the 1980 hockey game.

"My dad e-mailed me that photo today," he said. "It's funny you mentioned that."

While the United States reached the semifinals of the 1930 World Cup, the team experienced some very dark times before re-emerging in the last 20 years. The Americans reached the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup, losing to eventual runner-up Germany.

"This isn't the first game where we've showed well against a big opponent," said 19-year-old forward Jozy Altidore, who set the tone by scoring in the 27th minute on Wednesday. "But then again, everyone is harsh against us, which is fine. We just have to try and keep producing these results. Slowly but surely we're getting better as a nation."

Bradley took over from Bruce Arena in 2006 when Juergen Klinsmann turned down the job.

"We're learning how to move on the field as a team. Everything we're doing is at a higher level," Bradley said.

"It's not like it's one thing. It's a package of everything. I think in the last year more and more players are starting to realize that and we have a chance now against great teams like tonight. It's not like we just feel we belong on the field, but that we can win."