Who would win in a soccer match between usa vs spain?
Improved, but not that encouraging; that’s the simple verdict to be taken from the United States’ 1-0 loss to Spain on Wednesday. Yes, the U.S. defended more resolutely against Spain’s armada of attacking weapons, and showed more grit. There were even times in the first half when the Americans displayed more composure on the ball, a quality that was completely absent in the previous week’s loss to England. Rafa Rivas/GettyImages There was nothing Brad Guzan could do about Xavi’s goal for Spain. But just as obvious is the fact that the U.S. spent most of the second half bunkered inside its own defensive third, hoping to hold out for a tie. That it didn’t happen was thanks to a moment of brilliance from Spanish midfielder Xavi, whose clever touches allowed him to evade U.S. counterpart Michael Bradley, as well as Oguchi Onyewu and Frankie Hejduk, and bury his shot past a helpless Brad Guzan in the 79th minute. And therein lies the difference between the Americans and a side like Spain. I
