Spain win 3-0 against Australia
Group Stage
Group B, Match 5
Spain finished their deflated World Cup campaign with a confident 3-0 victory over Australia on Monday in Curitiba to restore some pride despite the reigning champions' early exit, reports Goal.com.
Vicente del Bosque's men headed into their final group fixture knowing they could no longer reach the knockout stages following defeats to Netherlands and Chile.
However, goals from David Villa, on his last international appearance, Fernando Torres and substitute Juan Mata ensured Spain at least signed off from the competition with victory, and avoided finishing bottom of Group B.
Spain's famous tiki-taka style has been derided in some quarters following their elimination, while there is also doubt over the future of Del Bosque.
The defending champions were far from their fluent best on this occasion, but still did enough to earn an ultimately comfortable win.
After a slow opening, Spain turned up the tempo and Villa broke the deadlock nine minutes before the break with an improvised flick from close range, giving Australian fans a timely reminder of his talent ahead of his upcoming loan spell in the A-League with Melbourne City.
The impressive Andres Iniesta, collecting his 100th cap, then set up Torres for a second in the 69th minute, before Mata - Villa's replacement - rounded off the scoring late on.
Spain will still leave Brazil knowing they have much to ponder, while Australia can move forward with optimism after drawing plaudits for their plucky performances throughout the tournament.
Villa, Torres and goalkeeper Pepe Reina were handed starts as Spain made a raft of changes, with the much-maligned Iker Casillas and Diego Costa among those dropping to the bench.
Australia showed more attacking vibrancy during a tepid opening, yet it was Spain who fashioned the first chance of note in the 20th minute.
Iniesta worked space on the right and showed great vision to pick out Villa at the back post, only for the forward to lash his volley wide.
Spain began to up the ante thereafter and Iniesta's clever backheel sent Jordi Alba free, but the full-back shot straight at Mat Ryan.
The lively Villa then showed neat trickery to bamboozle Mile Jedinak and fired a teasing cross along the six-yard box that neither Koke nor Torres could connect with.
However, Australia's resistance was broken in the 36th minute.
Iniesta's probing throughball caught Jason Davidson flat-footed and Juanfran got to the right byline before pulling back for Villa, who provided an ingenious close-range flick from behind his standing leg.
Spain struggled to rediscover a high tempo after the break, with several misplaced passes curtailing promising attacks.
The biggest round of applause for the second half was reserved for Villa, who was replaced by Mata shortly before the hour mark, the 32-year-old shaking his head as he emotionally exited the pitch before burying his head in his hands on the substitutes bench.
Spain's control of possession provided a second with just under 20 minutes remaining.
Iniesta was once again the architect with a defence-splitting pass that Torres collected on the left of the box before calmly slotting right-footed into the far corner.
Further gloss was added to the scoreline in the closing stages when substitute Cesc Fabregas picked out Mata in the penalty area, and the Manchester United man slipped the ball under goalkeeper Ryan.
Man of the Match: D Villa (ESP)
Match Commentary - as it happened
FULL TIME! Spain end the World Cup with a 3-0 victory over Australia, looking comfortable throughout the entire 90 minutes. La Roja pick up their first points of the tournament thanks to goals from David Villa, Fernando Torres and Juan Mata.
90` + 3` Ramos tries his luck from a 25-yard free-kick, but gets his angles all wrong, allowing for Ryan to watch the ball flash yards wide. Disappointing from the central defender, but the angle wasn't really present to whip in a cross.
90` + 2` Yellow Card Mile Jedinak
90` + 1` Mata goes close to finding his second of the evening, but is denied by a committed sliding block. Spain have managed to get down the flanks all too often in this contest, Australia's full-backs have been dragged around all over the show.
90` There are three minutes of stoppage time.
89` Fabregas manages to clip a ball towards the edge of the box from the left byeline, with McKay failing to clear his lines. The loose ball falls to Silva, who sends a low drive inches wide of the near post.
88` Yellow Card Matthew Spiranovic
87` Spain are holding onto the ball and inviting Australia to come out and press them. Australia appear to have had enough, but Troisi breaks upfield and spreads play out to the advancing Davidson. The left-back whips in a dangerous cross, but Ramos gets in ahead of Halloran to clear.
85` Torres is put in behind the Australian lines yet again, but Ryan is quick off his line to rush out and smother the through ball. Spiranovic is left on the ground after being outmuscled by the Chelsea striker, appearing to land heavily on the base of his back.
84` Substitution: Xabi Alonso out, David Silva in.
84` Australia will be perhaps hoping to get back to their dressing room as soon as possible, as this scoreline is just about threatening to get a little embarrassing. As tired legs come into the equation, the Socceroos are struggling to live with Spain.
82` Assist Cesc Fàbregas
82` Goal Juan Mata
82` GOOOOOAL! MATA MAKES IT THREE! The attacking midfielder is picked out behind Davidson with a crossfield ball, before taking a wonderful first touch and putting an eye-of-the-needle finish in between the goalkeeper's legs.
82` Less than ten minutes for Australia to grab a consolation goal, in what has been another encouraging performance for the Socceroos. They've given this group a far sterner test than anybody would have predicted before the tournament.
80` Albiol goes down holding his left leg, immediately asking for treatment from the sidelines. He returns to his feet and should be alright to continue, but is moving rather gingerly. It seems that he overstretched and landed rather awkwardly following a sliding challenge.
79` Spain are keen to hold onto the ball and force an already tired Australia to do yet more chasing. Iniesta has been the difference between the two sides this afternoon, as his two beautiful long balls that were involved in both goals carved Australia apart.
77` Spain break straight up the other end of the field, with a clipped cross from the byeline nearly finding its way to Fabregas' head. The Chelsea midfielder rose well, but was beaten to the delivery by a defender. Fabregas then breaks to the byeline himself moments later, but places his eventual cross too close to Ryan.
76` Australia look to break through Troisi, before the substitute releases Halloran on the left. He jinks back inside, but is stopped in his tracks by a good challenge from Alonso.
74` Spain are happy to sit off the ball and maintain their shape, allowing for Australia to keep meaningless possession deep in their own half. The Socceroos just haven't had any quality in the final third, they've really missed their talisman Tim Cahill.
72` Substitution: Oliver Bozanic out, Mark Bresciano in.
72` Another swan song in this game, as Mark Bresciano takes to the field for the remainder of the contest. He's been creative and had a real impact in the first two matches. Troisi tries his luck from 30 yards, but his strike whistles narrowly over the crossbar.
71` Less than 20 minutes of these two sides' World Cup campaigns remained, with Spain in control now. The Socceroos are looking slightly jaded, with Iniesta starting to have more of an influence on proceedings from deep.
69` Assist Andrés Iniesta Luján
69` Goal Fernando Torres
69` GOOOOOOOOAL! TORRES MAKES IT TWO FOR SPAIN! Iniesta is again at the heart of the goal for La Roja, as he scythes the Australia defence in two and sets Torres in behind. The striker slots his finish cutely between Ryan's legs.
68` Substitution: Santi Cazorla out, Cesc Fàbregas in.
68` Despite seemingly falling out with Del Bosque during training, a peace branch appears to have been offered behind closed doors as Fabregas makes his way into the fray. Cazorla hasn't been able to have much of an impact from the right hand side since the restart and can't complain that he has been sacrificed.
66` Halloran and Alba are having a real battle on the right hand side, as the substitute tries to get the better of the Barcelona man. The Spaniard has been able to stand up to the Australian's rather predictable advances thus far. Alba gives his adversary a little clip around the ear.
64` Koke does well to break down the left and keep the ball in play, before delivering a near post cross in search of Torres. The Chelsea striker rises fairly well, but is put under enough pressure from Spiranovic and fails to make contact with the ball.
63` Another dead ball situation for Australia, with McGowan unable to turn the delivery towards goal on this occasion. Mata is yet to get into the game, as Spain struggle to find a foothold in the second half from which to base their dominance.
62` Yellow Card Sergio Ramos
61` Substitution: Thomas Oar out, James Troisi in.
61` Less than half an hour remains in this contest, with Spain stepping off the gas somewhat in the second half. Davidson and Leckie try to combine down the left flank once again, but Juanfran steps in well to make a challenge. Oar isn't able to continue and is replaced by Troisi.
59` McKay lets fly with an ambitious volley from the edge of the box, as an Australian corner delivery is half-cleared. Jedinak gets in his way, however, meaning that the strike heads high into the crowd. Oar continues to receive treatment behind Reina's goal.
58` Ramos puts in another important tackle to dispossess Oar deep in the penalty area, with the Australia winger's first touch letting him down. The central defender gives away a corner, but also injures his opponent in the process, with Oar's knee looking to be the source of discomfort.
57` Substitution: David Villa out, Juan Mata in.
56` Villa is the first man who is substituted by Del Bosque, which should signal the end of his international career. He's capped his last game with a goal and for long periods was Spain's most threatening offensive outlet. The striker looks very emotional as he takes up his seat on the bench.
55` Juanfran breaks down the right hand side yet again, with Davidson failing to get close enough to stop the cross. The Atletico right-back whips a ball in between the central defender and his goalkeeper, but Torres isn't on hand to slide in and poke the delivery home.
53` Spain begin to shift possession around with a little more purpose, but there are certainly far more errors and misplaced passes than we are accustomed to seeing from Del Bosque's men. There have been a lot of changes for today's game, making it clear that La Roja aren't the same monster who dominated the last World Cup.
51` Australia try to use their width once again, looking to find Oar on the left hand side twice in as many minutes, but the quality of pass isn't good enough. Spain are taking a while to settle back down into their rhythm.
49` There's certainly a lull in both intensity and atmosphere at the start of the second half, as may be perhaps expected from two sides with nothing to play for whatsoever.
47` One change from the interval, as Halloran replaces Taggart up top for Australia. The 22-year-old only has one goal to his name from last season, but his coach clearly believes he can have an impact and unsettle the Spanish central defensive duo.
46` Substitution: Adam Taggart out, Ben Halloran in.
46` The match is back underway in the second half! Spain will be pleased with their performance thus far, but will feel that more goals are within their reach. Taggart has been thwarted by the central defensive pairing of Albiol and Ramos, but Australia are by no means out of this game yet.
HALF TIME! Spain have a slender one goal lead over Australia at the interval, courtesy of an ingenious backheel flick from Villa on what could be the striker's last international appearance in a La Roja shirt. Postecoglou's men have been tenacious and plucky, but lack offensive quality in Tim Cahill's absence.
45` + 2` Australia win a free-kick deep in opposition territory, but Bozanic fails to make contact with a swirling cross at the back post. The referee takes a quick look at his watch and then decides enough is enough.
45` Villa continues to press the Australia defence, disrupting their rhythm to eliminate the chance of a late equaliser. Spain pick up possession from a loose Jedinak pass, before Cazorla is found galloping into space on the left flank. He clips an effort over the onrushing Ryan, but McGowan hoofs clear.
43` Only a few minutes remain of the first half, with Spain looking to be in control of this game. Taggart has had the odd yard of space to exploit, but doesn't appear to have the yard of pace and acceleration required. Albiol and Ramos have been largely untroubled.
41` Koke has an effort from range, forcing Ryan to scurry across his goal-line and ensure that the ball headed behind for a corner. It was perhaps going wide, but the goalkeeper got down well anyhow. The set piece is floated in towards the back post, but Spiranovic rises well to head away.
40` On the balance of play, Spain's lead is deserved, with Del Bosque's men now happy to sit off and invite Australia forward. As the Socceroos try to press for an equaliser, more gaps should appear for the likes of Alonso and Iniesta to exploit with a well-placed pass.
38` Reina is forced into action moments after the restart, as the Spain goalkeeper has to deal with several yellow shirts pushed deep into his penalty area to challenge for a deep cross once again. Taggart nearly slides in to capitalise on a half-clearance from Alba and Ramos, but Reina hoofs clear.
36` Assist Juanfran
36` Goal David Villa
36` GOOOOOOOOOOAL! DAVID VILLA GIVES SPAIN THE LEAD! Iniesta picks out a beautiful pass to find Juanfran in behind Davidson, before the Atletico man delivers a cut-back from the byeline to his former Atletico teammate. With a deft, cheeky backheel flick from Villa, Spain have the lead!
34` Villa breaks to the byeline and earns himself a yard of space to deliver with a couple of step-overs, beating Jedinak in the process. He delivers a ball across the six-yard box, but neither Koke, Torres nor Cazorla can apply a finishing touch.
33` Iniesta tries to pick out Ramos on the edge of the penalty area, but Jedinak gets in ahead of the Real Madrid defender and draws a foul. Spain are seeing plenty of the ball, with Australia getting deeper and further off their men, but still aren't carving out too many chances.
31` Spain have played several long, aimless balls from deep, which isn't something we're used to seeing from the world champions. Torres and Villa haven't quite got the pace to cause Australia's central defensive pairing any big problems, but Del Bosque has other interesting options on the bench.
29` Wilkinson is penalised for shoving over Torres, as the Socceroos continue to keep close tabs on Spain's forward-thinking players. Taggart is almost found by a hoofed clearance, but Albiol makes another important header to keep things tight at the back for his side.
27` Australia will be pleased with their opening half an hour, as Ryan has only been forced to make one save. Villa has perhaps been one of Spain's brighter offensive options, but there has been little in the way of penetration from La Roja. Torres, meanwhile, leaves the field briefly to change his shirt.
25` Leckie uses his pace to drive through the heart of the Spanish midfield, before trying to slide a through ball into the path of Taggart. The lone striker turns back into trouble and loses out to Albiol however, forcing Australia to drop back into shape. Spain can feel encouraged by holding onto more of the ball and getting a foothold in the game.
23` Spain are certainly now in control of this contest, as Australia's full-backs start to be pegged back. Alba is picked out in space at the back post, before firing a left-footed drive across goal. Ryan gets down smartly to palm the shot away from danger.
21` Iniesta this time turns a diagonal ball across the box, looking for Villa at the back post. The former Valencia striker catches it on the volley first-time, but thrashes a scuffed effort high and wide of the target. It's not quite clicking for Spain around the opposition penalty area as of yet.
20` Iniesta whips a free-kick in towards the back post, aiming for Sergio Ramos, but the delivery isn't executed well whatsoever. The ball bounces behind for a goal-kick, as Spain waste yet another half chance. They need a goal to lower the morale of the plucky Socceroos.
19` Torres slides David Villa in behind Wilkinson, but the latter Spaniard turns too sharply and loses his balance. The defender recovers to poke the ball away from danger, as Spain continue to struggle to break down the yellow lines of Australia.
17` Wilkinson plays an early long ball looking for Taggart, but Albiol rises highest to head the danger clear. Cazorla is presented with possession 12 yards out from goal, before shifting the ball onto his right foot and unleashing a ferocious effort, but Wilkinson puts in a good block.
15` Spain continue to look rather toothless going forward, with only David Villa looking to drive at his marker. Australia are sitting in shape, biding their time and then breaking down the flanks whenever possible. The Socceroos do look to have the tools required to hurt La Roja on the counter.
14` Davidson whips a cross in to the back post, but Alba has enough time to control the delivery and clear his lines. Leckie was nowhere to be seen, a shame considering that he could potentially trouble the diminutive Spanish left-back aerially.
12` David Villa cuts inside from the left wing, beating Leckie all ends up before ghosting past McGowan once again. The former Barcelona striker will be heading to Australia for the next A-League season and looks keen to show to his new spectators what he can do on the World Cup stage.
11` Torres breaks to the byeline, before chopping a clever pass to Iniesta. The Barcelona man is robbed of the ball deep in the Australia penalty area, however, as Spain continue to be frustrated. Ryan hasn't had to do anything in this game thus far.
9` Torres is almost found with a lofted through ball, but Spiranovic recovers well and carries possession away from danger. Jordi Alba then tries to race down the left flank, but is stopped by a well-timed sliding challenge from Leckie - the Socceroos' supporters greet every successful tackle with some cheers.
8` Spain aren't comfortable on the ball in the opening stages whatsoever, with plenty of interceptions and tackles on Australia's part. Postecoglou's side are harrying and pressing, keen to mimic the hardworking efforts of Chile and the Netherlands.
7` David Villa skips inside McGowan, before Jedinak fells the experienced striker. The Socceroos are flying into challenges and Spain aren't too happy with their opposition's physical approach thus far. Del Bosque's men are, however, starting to see a little bit more of possession.
5` Leckie picks up the loose ball after Spain uncharacteristically give away possession in midfield, with the winger unleashing an early strike from range. Reina is happy to watch the ball thud into the advertising hoardings. Australia are forcing a few errors early on.
4` Taggart is played through on goal, but a poor first touch forces the Newcastle Jets striker to scamper into the penalty area. Reina comes out quickly, but allows the ball to roll behind for a goal-kick.
3` David Villa is starting on the left hand side of a forward three for Spain, though the Atletico forward is hesitant to track back. Albiol makes an important header, rising above three Australian players deep in his own area, to deny an early half-chance.
2` Australia are keen to press Spain from the very start and force some mistakes from a La Roja outfit who have been rather shaky so far in Brazil. Del Bosque's men certainly won't be enjoying a walk in the park this afternoon, with a couple of early fouls setting the tone.
1` We are underway in the first half! There is real pressure on Spain to not bow out of Brazil without any points in a group they were expected to win - while Australia will be happy to put in a tenacious display and again prove themselves to be hard to beat.
Commentary & Report: Goal dot com
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