It was a foregone conclusion– the USA did not belong in the Confederations Cup semifinals after slipping out of group B with a fortunate final day.

Things would be ok, however, because the U.S. would lose Wednesday to the No. 1 Spanish team and everything in the soccer world would go back to normal.

Far from it.

The Americans, outshot 29-9 in the match, recorded a stunning 2-nil victory in South Africa to advance to the finals against the winner of Brazil and host South Africa, per ESPN.com.

An American fan proclaims victory over Spain

(TwitPic by @xh1gHxVoLt4g3x)

Jozy Altidore, who plays for Spanish club team Villareal, scored in the 25th minute– dodging one of his Villareal teammates in the process– to give the U.S. a 1-0 lead at halftime.

Clint Dempsey provided the winning margin with a goal in the 73rd minute, while goalie Tim Howard was remarkable, amassing six key saves. Get additional commentary at Soccerblog.com.

Here’s the reaction from the United States of Twitter:

1. 
   LorrieLiane Team USA > Team Spain….crazy! 24 Jun 2009 from twitterfeed
2. 
   Antoniodr USA defeated Spain 2-0, Good win for us, atleast they show us that for a moment we’re also good at soccer! 24 Jun 2009 from web
3. 
   annyrei woot! The USA actually semi-wins at something! We beat Spain and are going to a FIFA final! We notoriously suck at soccer! Was it a miracle? 24 Jun 2009 from web
4. 
   KINGNORDIC USA WILL BE ONE OF THE SOCCER SUPER POWER SOON ! 24 Jun 2009 from web
5. 
   cliffwegner If USA can keep it close and play fairly even with (I assume) Brazil, they’ll gain some respect. If they get hammered, well… 24 Jun 2009 from Tweetie
6. 
   Akiborbor Go USA! I definitely didn’t give them any chance to beat Spain. But damn, they did it….good game guys! 24 Jun 2009 from TwitterBerry

 On a scale of 1-10, how surprised were you the US beat Spain? Comment below or tweet @BTsports or @BTSports_Brian!

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