The United States are through to the Confederations Cup semi-finals at the expense of Italy after beating Egypt.
Dempsey is the hero as US complete a memorable turnaround
The United States are through to the Confederations Cup semi-finals at the expense of Italy courtesy of a 3-0 defeat of Egypt in their Group B tie.
USA went into their final group game shy of confidence having lost their previous two qualifiers, but a night of upsets saw them progress as Italy went down 3-0 to Brazil in Sunday's other qualifier.
Charlie Davies' 21st minute opener gave USA hope they could do the unthinkable and knock-out the world champions and so it proved in the second period as goals from Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey saw them through.
Davies opener
A long-throw from Jonathan Bornstein proved to be the architect of the US' opener as Essam Al-Hadari failed to gather in Egypt's box, with Davies on hand to steer home.
The US could have doubled their advantage shortly after only for Al-Hadari's bravery to deny Landon Donovan.
News of Brazil taking a 3-0 first half lead began to filter through to the players and the US were understandably buoyed by the Azzurri's struggles.
At this stage Egypt were qualifying for the last four on goal difference; a situation they almost cemented on 39 minutes when Hosni Abd Rabbou hit the crossbar.
After the interval and Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan needed to be at his smartest to repel Ahmed Abdelghani's effort.
Crucial goal
A counter-attack, against the run of play, saw the US double their advantage. Bradley, the coach's son, wrongfooted Egypt's goalkeeper when sweeping home Donovan's cross in the 63rd minute.
It was left to Fulham's Clint Dempsey to cast himself as his country's hero when he headed home Jonathan Spector's cross to seal a memorable victory in the 71st minute.
