Jonathan Spector played a major part in an incredible turnaround that saw the United States come from nowhere to reach the FIFA Confederations Cup semi-finals with a 3-0 victory against Egypt on Sunday night.
The US had begun the final Group B fixture seemingly down and out as they were bottom of the section. They had to win, have Brazil beat Italy and see a six-goal swing overall in the two games to lift them into second spot. Brazil raced into a three-goal lead in their match against the world champions and, astonishingly, the US matched the feat in their contest. Despite tense finales, both matches finished 3-0.
Charlie Davis scrambled in the opener on 21 minutes before the Americans were denied a clear penalty when Jozy Altidore's shot early in the second half was handled on the line. The impressive Michael Bradley then scored one of the goals of the tournament by finishing off a neat one-two with Landon Donovan before Spector stepped up on 71 minutes with the sweetest of crosses for Clint Dempsey to head in.
The US , who needed a great defensive header from Spector in added time, will now play Group A's runaway winners Spain in the last four in Bloemfontein on Wednesday night, with Brazil taking on the hosts South Africa in Johannesburg the following evening. Spector, who was cautioned in the first half for his first yellow of the competition, has played every minute at right-back of the US's three games so far - making it 16 caps for the versatile 23-year-old.