Jay DeMerit will now have the task of trying to stop David Villa, Fernando Torres and co after his USA side surprisingly reached the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup in South Africa.

Despite losing their opening two games, the Americans produced a superb display to beat Egypt 3-0 and that result, combined with Brazil’s 3-0 victory over World Cup winners Italy, means they progress to meet Spain in Wednesday’s first last four clash in Bloemfontein.

But the Americans’ task now looks to be a huge one.

The European Champions not only set a world record of 15 consecutive international wins by beating hosts South Africa 2-0 to reach the semi-finals, but have also equalled Brazil’s all-time record of 35 matches unbeaten.

The Hornets’ centre-half once again played the full 90 minutes as his side bounced back from their previous defeats against Italy (3-1) and Brazil (3-0) to secure their unlikely progress through goals from Charlie Davies, Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey.