The Socceroos have gone down 3-0 to Spain in their final match at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil after goals to Juan Mata, Fernando Torres and the A-League-bound David Villa.

In the other Group B match, the Netherlands topped the group after beating Chile 2-0 thanks to Leroy Fer and Memphis Depay’s goals.

Spain had nothing but pride to play for after losing its first two games, while Australia was also on its way home after defeats to Chile and the Netherlands.

Australia started positively in the first half, looking to set a quick tempo early on with snappy passes and pressure on the Spanish midfield.

But Spain eventually got into the tussle, keeping the ball for lengthy spells, with Villa a regular attacking outlet down the left.

The first warning shot came as Santi Cazorla saw a shot blocked in a crowded area, before a low Villa cross beat everyone as the ball skimmed across the face of goal.
Cazorla’s cross then got past the onrushing Mat Ryan, but the Australian defence cleared the danger.

Spain then opened the scoring on the 36th minute when right-back Juanfran beat his man to the byline before cutting the ball back to Villa, who expertly back-heeled the ball into the net.

Australia almost hit back immediately, goalkeeper Pepe Reina hacking the ball clear in a goalmouth scramble.

That was a rare threat from an inexperienced Australian team who missed the presence of suspended leading scorer Tim Cahill up front.

Mathew Leckie proved to be Australia’s main dangerman, cutting inside to constantly trouble Spain down the right flank with his pace.

The Socceroos had opportunities to test Spain’s backline with two Tommy Oar free-kicks, but none of them eventuated in clear-cut chances.

Spain was always the dominant side in the second half, despite the introduction of outgoing Socceroo Mark Bresciano.

Chelsea star Torres scored Spain’s second goal in the 69th minute, before Mata put the game beyond doubt in the 82th minute.

“It’s disappointing to finish in the way we did,” captain Mile Jedinak said after the match.

“We tried to play ourselves into the game, it just wasn’t there today. We just didn’t get into those areas, and if you give them enough chances, they’re going to score. They’re a quality side.”

On whether mental or physical fatigue played a part in the loss, Jedinak said: “A bit of both. Maybe a few lapses in concentration, maybe that’s part of it. That’s the level [Spain] are at, they’re world class players.

“You can take some positives out of [the World Cup campaign] but overall it’s not what we wanted. Particularly with the positive performances in the first two games, even today to a certain degree.

“To get nothing is disappointing.”

Coach Vicente del Bosque made seven changes from the Spanish team that started the 2-0 defeat by Chile, with midfielder Andres Iniesta keeping his place to win his 100th cap.

After the match, under-fire Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said he would decide on his future in the coming days.

“In the next few days, I’d imagine, or next week. There is no rush,” Del Bosque told a reporter who asked him when he would announce whether he would remain Spain coach.

Last week, Del Bosque said there would be consequences, including possibly for him, after Spain lost its first two World Cup matches, making it impossible for it to reach the next round.

Source: ABC/Reuters