 "Spain restore pride with win over Australia")
Dethroned champions Spain bowed out of the World Cup with a 3-0 win over Australia thanks to goals from David Villa, Fernando Torres and Juan Mata in Curitiba here today.
Villa, who is set for a three-month spell in Australia with Melbourne City after, became the fourth Spanish player to score in three World Cups when he backheeled home Juanfran's cross for his 59th international goal in his 97th and final appearance for La Roja nine minutes before half-time.
Andres Iniesta then marked his 100th cap for his country with a lovely through ball for Torres to double Spain's advantage on 69 minutes before Mata slotted home a third eight minutes from time.
The Aussies had started with the energy that had characterised their two encouraging performances against Chile and the Netherlands, but without the suspended Tim Cahill lacked a threat in the final third.
Mathew Leckie pulled a shot well wide for the Socceroos on five minutes, but as the half developed Spain began to take control with Villa particularly prominent.
The former Barcelona and Atletico Madrid striker first went close when his volley from Iniesta's pass at the far post skewed wide.
Australia keeper Maty Ryan then had to beat away Jordi Alba'a driven shot from a narrow angle before Villa very nearly set up the opener with a low cross that the late arriving Koke and Torres just couldn't turn home.
Villa, who is set for a three-month spell in Australia with Melbourne City after, became the fourth Spanish player to score in three World Cups when he backheeled home Juanfran's cross for his 59th international goal in his 97th and final appearance for La Roja nine minutes before half-time.
Andres Iniesta then marked his 100th cap for his country with a lovely through ball for Torres to double Spain's advantage on 69 minutes before Mata slotted home a third eight minutes from time.
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Victory means Spain finished third in Group B behind Chile and group winners the Netherlands, whilst Australia slipped to a third consecutive defeat.
The Aussies had started with the energy that had characterised their two encouraging performances against Chile and the Netherlands, but without the suspended Tim Cahill lacked a threat in the final third.
Mathew Leckie pulled a shot well wide for the Socceroos on five minutes, but as the half developed Spain began to take control with Villa particularly prominent.
The former Barcelona and Atletico Madrid striker first went close when his volley from Iniesta's pass at the far post skewed wide.
Australia keeper Maty Ryan then had to beat away Jordi Alba'a driven shot from a narrow angle before Villa very nearly set up the opener with a low cross that the late arriving Koke and Torres just couldn't turn home.