DON'T COUNT on sneaking past Spain for a place in the Confederations Cup final. The world's top-ranked team only has the aura of invincibility because they do their homework on underdog teams like the United States.

"It would be fatal to deny that we're facing a rival that won't make life difficult," Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said. "We have to be very careful."

And as much as Spain dominate world football because midfield blends seamlessly into attack, Del Bosque is convinced such quick transition is also the biggest problem his defenders will face today in the semi-finals of the World Cup warm-up tournament.

"They have a very talented midfield that pushes upfield easily," Del Bosque said. "They play very direct, attacking football."

Still a chance

Del Bosque will keep a special eye on midfielders Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey, who scored on the decisive header in a 3-0 victory over Egypt, which allowed the United States into the semi-finals.

Despite the overwhelming odds against a team which is on a record run of 15 straight victories, the United States can still dream about playing in the final of a global tournament for the first time. The Americans reached the semi-finals at the 1999 Confederations Cup and the 1930 World Cup, but lost both times.

Spain have been performing at an unmatched level for a year now and could run up their consecutive win streak to 16 today. The team can add a record 36-match unbeaten streak if they avoid a loss against the United States, pushing beyond the old mark held by Brazil from 1993-96.