Although admitting the United States was the better team, Spain believes its loss to the Americans in the Confederations Cup semifinals was an anomaly. "In all sincerity, only one time in 10 do I think we would lose against them," Spain captain and goalkeeper Iker Casillas said one day after the Americans upset top-ranked Spain 2-0 to reach Sunday's final. "But yesterday, they deserved to reach the final."

"It's clear we weren't going to be invincible for life," Casillas said. "There's no reason to get on the players or the coach for the result at this tournament because we managed an impressive streak of wins. It just goes to show that the team that plays better and holds better possession doesn't always win. Luck doesn't always follow you, so you have to look at positives."

During its 35-game undefeated run, Spain conceded only 11 goals. But on Wednesday it's normally steady backline looked sluggish from the opening whistle and blunders led to both goals. "They didn't have so many chances," said center back Carles Puyol. "They came out very aggressively and only had two or three chances on goal and scored both. The team has shown that defensively that it is strong, so we don't have to be worried."

 

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