Spain will be firm favourites to reach a major tournament final for a second successive year when they play the United States in Wednesday's Confederations Cup semi-final in Bloemfontein.

The European champions coasted through to the last four with three comfortable wins in contrast to a dramatic late surge by the unfancied Americans and the Spaniards are hungry for more silverware.

"We are trying to keep winning, keep playing our game," striker Fernando Torres told reporters.

"We have ambitions yet and want to win a lot more. After 44 years we won the European championship, now we want a first Confederations Cup for our country.

"Whoever we face will be tough. We have to prepare as well as always," added team mate Xavi Alonso. "Everything is looking very positive right now. We are always trying to progress."

The U.S. were surprised to reach the semi-finals.

"Spain are a great team, we played against them in Santander just before they went on to win the Euro. We know they way they move the ball around and keep possession," said coach Bob Bradley after his side finished second in Group B ahead of world champions Italy on goals scored.

"We played well against them in the first half but they wore us down in the second half. They did the same at Euro 2008, wearing every one of their opponents down. Playing them is such a challenge."

The winners advance to the final in Johannesburg on Sunday where they meet either Brazil or hosts South Africa whose semi-final is at Ellis Park on Thursday.

The third place playoff match is on Sunday in Rustenburg.