Spain's record-breaking winning streak came to an end as they lost 2-0 to USA in the first semi-final on Wednesday.

Having cruised through their group without conceding a goal, Spain were looking to seal a 16th successive victory against a USA side that only scraped into the last four on goal difference thanks to a 3-0 success over Egypt on Sunday.

But USA produced an inspired performance against Vicente del Bosque's men and claimed a famous win courtesy of goals from Jozy Altidore and Dempsey.

The deadlock was broken in the 27th minute when Altidore picked up a pass from Dempsey on the edge of the area and powerfully turned past Joan Capdevila before driving a shot beyond Iker Casillas.

even better

Dempsey glanced a header off target from Landon Donovan's excellent cross as USA went in search of a second, but Spain gradually grew into the match as half-time approached and Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard was called into action to deny David Villa.

Howard made an even better save down to his left to stop Villa from equalising at the start of the second half as Spain increased the intensity of their attacks.

Dempsey gave USA a two-goal cushion in the 74th minute as he capitalised on Sergio Ramos' hesitancy following a swift counter-attack and slotted the ball home.

Michael Bradley was red carded in the closing stages for a foul on Xavi but USA held firm to set up a final on Sunday against either Brazil or hosts South Africa.

This defeat ended Spain's 35-match unbeaten run.