The United States caused one of the biggest upsets in world football by beating European champions Spain in the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup.
Jozy Altidore broke the deadlock on 27 minutes when he turned Joan Capdevila and beat Iker Casillas from 15 yards.
Fulham's Clint Dempsey then doubled the lead on 74 minutes when he converted Landon Donovan's pass from close range.
The defeat in South Africa ended Spain's world record of 15 straight wins and their 35-match unbeaten run.
"It's exciting, a great team effort. To beat an amazing team like Spain and make the final, it's big," said US coach Bob Bradley.
"We played as hard as we could and that's what it took. Every guy contributed, so it's a very good feeling."
US captain Carlos Bocanegra added: "I think it just shows that we can compete with the best. Now we need to do it on a consistent basis."
The US opened the tournament with a 3-1 loss to world champions Italy before being outclassed 3-0 by Brazil but they advanced to the last four by beating Egypt 3-0.
"It goes to show what hard work and commitment to each other can bring," stated US goalkeeper Tim Howard, who made crucial saves to deny David Villa and Fernando Torres. "Football is a funny thing."
Victory meant the US advanced to their first Fifa final, although the achievement was slightly soured by the dismissal of Michael Bradley.
The midfielder, son of the US coach, will now miss Sunday's showdown against either defending champions Brazil or hosts South Africa.
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Spain: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Capdevila, Pique, Puyol, Xavi, Fabregas (Santi Cazorla 68), Alonso, Riera (Mata 78), Torres, Villa.
Booked: Capdevila, Pique.
USA: Howard, DeMerit, Spector, Bocanegra, Onyewu, Clark, Dempsey (Bornstein 88), Davies (Feilhaber 69), Donovan, Bradley, Altidore (Casey 84).
Subs Not Used: Guzan, Pearce, Califf, Wynne, Beasley, Kljestan, Adu, Torres, Robles.
Sent Off: Bradley (87).
Booked: Donovan, Altidore.
Goals: Altidore 27, Dempsey 74.
Att: 40,000
Ref: Jorge Larrionda (Uruguay).
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