Spain’s Cesc Fabregas controls the ball next to Australia’s James Troisi during the group B World Cup soccer match between Australia and Spain at the Arena da Baixada in Curitiba, Brazil, Monday, June 23, 2014. AP PHOTO/MANU FERNANDEZ
CURITIBA, Brazil—Defending champion Spain salvaged some World Cup pride on Monday with a convincing 3-0 victory over Australia in its last match at the tournament.
After losing their previous matches in Group B to the Netherlands and Chile, both teams took to Arena da Baixada knowing they could not advance to the second round.
David Villa, on his 97th and final appearance put Spain ahead in the 36th minute with his record 59th goal, guiding Juanfran Torres’ pass into the net with the inside of his right foot.
Fernando Torres doubled the lead in the 69th as he steered the ball home following an incisive pass from Andres Iniesta.
Juan Mata added the third from close range in the 82nd after a pass from Cesc Fabregas.–Pan Pylas