Brazil World Cup 2014 Schedule: Group B Fixtures, Australia. Vs. Spain 0-3
+3
Opta stats
source: Daily Mail
Brazil World Cup 2014: Group B Fixtures. Australia Vs. Spain 0-3 Match Report. Champions Go Home Proud
Full Time: Australia 0-3 Spain
Australia: Ryan, McGowan, Davidson, Spiranovic, Wilkinson, Oar (Troisi 61), Bozanic (Bresciano 72), Jedinak, McKay, Leckie, Taggart (Halloran 46).
Subs: Milligan, Wright, Langerak, Holland, Galekovic, Vidosic, Luongo.
Spain: Reina; Juanfran, Ramos, Albiol, Alba; Cazorla (Fabregas 68), Alonso (Silva 83), Koke, Iniesta; Torres, Villa (Mata 57)
Subs: Casillas, De Gea, Azpilicueta, Javi Martinez, Busquets, Xavi, Pedro, Diego Costa.
Goals: Villa 36, Torres 69, Mata 82
Fernando Torres steals a chance for Spain's victory over Australia, while David Villa's goal puts the 2010 World Cup Champions ahead in the 36th min. Juan Mata seals the scoring streak with David Villa and Koke. The defending champs left the pitch with a tightly lipped smile with a goal in first half and two more when Spain discovered chances after leaks in the Australian 'outback.' Spain finished their World Cup 2014 play with a win, saving face from disastrous losses in Group B,1st round play.
Unfortunately, this is the last game for the former champions after losing twice in the first round. Australia will follow suit for the same reason. The Aussie side will end up at the bottom of the table, which was previously speculated to be Spain's slot after a humiliating defeat against the Netherlands. Australia leaves with a mix of performance styles, making a gallant effort in all their games. But there is still a 'luck' factor in the World Cup that is absolutely unpredictable and the 'may the best team win' takes on a bit of a twist.
Australian goalkeeper made formidable attempts to manage shots by Torres who is looking for a hat trick. The Chelsea striker has spelled danger for the Aussies through out the game and he doesn't seem to tire out.
Juan Matta's fantastic finish puts the ball through goal keeper Ryan's legs for a goal that has pride spelled all over it. Australia pulled back on defense with six or seven men near the goal, but Spain was in no pressure to score. They played a balanced game that overpowered the Australian side, which had little opportunity for banking on their offensive moves.
Mata's sub for Villa in the 56mn wires up his international career on a sad note: "He's been an excellent servant to his country. He looks absolutely gutted. Villa is in tears on the Spain bench now," notes Jack Gaughan of the Mail Online.
Vicente Del Bosque's men have undoubtedly returned to their 2010 World Cup form, all to no avail for the big man in a tough tournament - most likely his last as well.