Spain 2 - USA 0

Spain: Mandaluniz; Ruz, Francis, Sergio Sánchez, Llorente; Cesc Fábregas, Markel Bergara; Sisi (Oskitz 80'), Jurado (Javi 84'), Silva; Xisco Nadal (Pallardó 87'). 4-2-3-1.

Goals:
1-0. 11. Jurado. Ran through and hit shot which deflected into net off defender.
2-0. 70. Cesc Fábregas. Collected clearance outside area and hit shot past keeper.

Spain beat the United States in their last group game to finish in top spot and set up a quarter final tie with Portugal. South Korea's victory earlier in the day against Sierra Leone meant that both sides kicked off knowing they were sure of a place in the last eight, and Juan Santiesteban was able to rest keeper Adan and striker David, both of whom were recovering from knocks in the previous match. With just over ten minutes on the clock Spain went in front when Jurado's shot deflected off a defender past Westberg, and Llorente almost put them further in front a few minutes later when his header was touched over the bar by the keeper.

However just before half time Spain's hat-trick hero from the last match Silva was shown the red card by Brazilian referee Heber Lopes for retaliation leaving his side with ten men. After that Santiesteban ordered his side to slow the game down and keep possession as much as possible, which despite the numerical inferiority they were able to do. The Americans eventually threw on their 14-year-old star Freddy Adu to try and change things, but it was Spain who scored soon afterwards, Cesc Fábregas celebrating his transfer from Barcelona to Arsenal with a spectacular shot from outside of the area following a corner.

Despite their bad start the youngsters ended top of group D, one point ahead of their opponents, and they reach the quarter final stage of the competition for the first time since 1997. Their rivals next Sunday afternoon will be Portugal, who beat them in the final of the European championships earlier this year. Santiesteban will be looking for revenge.