BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa — Talk about tests: After reaching the Confederations Cup semifinals in unlikely fashion, the reward for the U.S. soccer team is a matchup today with top-ranked Spain.

“The team is on a high, for sure,” U.S. coach Bob Bradley said yesterday. “From a football standpoint, it’s a great challenge but we couldn’t be more excited for this chance.”

Spain, the European champion, has set an international record with 15 straight victories and will be trying to stretch its unbeaten streak to a record 36, breaking the mark set by Brazil.

After losing 3-1 to world champion Italy and 3-0 to South American champion Brazil, the 14th-ranked U.S. reached the semis with a 3-0 victory Sunday over African champion Egypt as Brazil beat the Azzurri 3-0.