Spain’s record goalscorer David Villa helped the deposed champions salvage some pride on Monday with the striker on target in a 3-0 win over Australia as both sides bowed out of the World Cup.
Villa, making his 97th and final international appearance netted his 59th goal in La Roja colours on 36 minutes in Curitiba after cleverly flicking home a low cross from Juanfran.
Villa, who won the Spanish title with Atletico Madrid last season but is off to Australia and then the MLS and the new franchise New York City, was inconsolable when he was taken off in the second-half.
Australia had shown plenty of spirit in losses to Chile and the Netherlands but Ante Postecoglou’s inexperienced side struggled mightily without the suspended Tim Cahill and injured Mark Bresciano in their final Group B contest.
Spain’s quest for a fourth successive major tournament victory was ended following reverses in their first two matches but they finished on a high note at the Arena da Baixada.
Fernando Torres, making his first start in the finals in Brazil, doubled Spain’s advantage on 69 minutes after a fine ball through from Andres Iniesta on his 100th appearance for his country.
Substitutes Juan Mata and Cesc Fabregas then linked up to further stretch Spain’s lead eight minutes from time as the former slipped the ball between the legs of goalkeeper Mat Ryan after he was picked out inside the area by his teammate. (AFP)
