BLOEMFONTEIN: The United States shocked Spain 2-0 on Wednesday to book a place in the Confederations Cup final and end the European champions record-breaking win streak. A first half strike from Villarreal’s Jozy Altidore and another 16 minutes from time by Fulham’s Clint Dempsey did the damage in what will go down as one of the biggest victories in US football history. They also had a flawless performance by Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard and a commendable defensive display to thank for earning them a shot at the trophy on Sunday against either Brazil or hosts South Africa. Their only black mark was having Michael Bradley — son of the coach Bob — sent off for a lunging tackle with four minutes left. It was a remarkable upset that not only ended Spain’s record of 15 straight wins but also prevented them from surpassing Brazil’s 35-match unbeaten run. Spain will have to be content with going into the history books level with the South Americans after their first loss since November 15, 2006. After resting several players against South Africa, Spain were back at full strength with Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Joan Capdevila and Xabi Alonso returning to action. The US welcomed back captain and ex-Fulham player Carlos Bocanegra while Howard returned to goal. Spain had won all three previous encounters but the United States’ miracle run to the last four, qualifying on goals scored after finishing level with Italy on goal difference, showed they could not be understimated. In a major shock the US took the lead on 27 minutes when Altidore muscled past Capdevila and Carles Puyol with Casillas unable to prevent his shot finding the back of the net. Spain were in trouble but bounced back with a hatful of chances with Torres and Ramos in the thick of it only for heroic defending to deny them time and again. LA Galaxy’s Landon Donovan sent the ball in from the right and defensive errors by Gerald Pique and Ramos allowed Dempsey to hustle the ball over the line for a famous victory.