Spain's Juan Mata celebrates with Fernando Torres (9) after scoring a goal during the 2014 World Cup Group B soccer match between Australia and Spainat the Baixada arena in Curitiba, June 23, 2014. Credit: Reuters Spain's Juan Mata celebrates with Fernando Torres (9) after scoring a goal during the 2014 World Cup Group B soccer match between Australia and Spainat the Baixada arena in Curitiba, June 23, 2014. Credit: Reuters
Spain's Fernando Torres (L) shoots to score past Australia's Mathew Ryan during their 2014 World Cup Group B soccer match at the Baixada arena in Curitiba, June 23, 2014. Credit: Reuters Spain's Fernando Torres (L) shoots to score past Australia's Mathew Ryan during their 2014 World Cup Group B soccer match at the Baixada arena in Curitiba, June 23, 2014. Credit: Reuters
Spain's David Villa scores a goal with a back flick kick during their 2014 World Cup Group B soccer match against Australia at the Baixada arena in Curitiba, June 23, 2014. Credit: Reuters Spain's David Villa scores a goal with a back flick kick during their 2014 World Cup Group B soccer match against Australia at the Baixada arena in Curitiba, June 23, 2014. Credit: Reuters
Spain's David Villa (R) scores past Australia's Mathew Ryan (C) during their 2014 World Cup Group B soccer match at the Baixada arena in Curitiba, June 23, 2014. Credit: Reuters Spain's David Villa (R) scores past Australia's Mathew Ryan (C) during their 2014 World Cup Group B soccer match at the Baixada arena in Curitiba, June 23, 2014. Credit: Reuters
Fans fight over a boot thrown to them by Spain's goalkeeper Iker Casillas at the end of their 2014 World Cup Group B soccer match against Australia at theBaixada arena in Curitiba, June 23, 2014. Credit: Reuters Fans fight over a boot thrown to them by Spain's goalkeeper Iker Casillas at the end of their 2014 World Cup Group B soccer match against Australia at theBaixada arena in Curitiba, June 23, 2014. Credit: Reuters
Spain's Juan Mata (R) scores against Australia's goalkeeper Mathew Ryan during their 2014 World Cup Group B soccer match at the Baixada arena in Curitiba, June 23, 2014. Credit: Reuters Spain's Juan Mata (R) scores against Australia's goalkeeper Mathew Ryan during their 2014 World Cup Group B soccer match at the Baixada arena in Curitiba, June 23, 2014. Credit: Reuters
Spain's David Villa (R) scores past Australia's goalkeeper Mathew Ryan (C) during their 2014 World Cup Group B soccer match at the Baixada arena in Curitiba, June 23, 2014. Credit: Reuters Spain's David Villa (R) scores past Australia's goalkeeper Mathew Ryan (C) during their 2014 World Cup Group B soccer match at the Baixada arena in Curitiba, June 23, 2014. Credit: Reuters
Spain's David Villa (2nd R) scores past Australia's goalkeeper Mathew Ryan (L) during their 2014 World Cup Group B soccer match at the Baixada arena in Curitiba, June 23, 2014. Credit: Reuters Spain's David Villa (2nd R) scores past Australia's goalkeeper Mathew Ryan (L) during their 2014 World Cup Group B soccer match at the Baixada arena in Curitiba, June 23, 2014. Credit: Reuters
Spain's David Villa (R) scores past Australia's Mathew Ryan (C) during their 2014 World Cup Group B match at the Baixada arena in Curitiba June 23, 2014. Credit: Reuters Spain's David Villa (R) scores past Australia's Mathew Ryan (C) during their 2014 World Cup Group B match at the Baixada arena in Curitiba June 23, 2014. Credit: Reuters
Spain hope to bow out on a high
Villa neatly backheeled the opener in the 36th minute after Spain carved open the Australian defence. Torres slid home in the 69th minute when set clear in the penalty box.
Substitute Juan Mata rolled a third goal between the legs of goalkeeper Mat Ryan in the 82nd minute as Australia ran out of steam.
Spain had nothing but pride to play for after losing their first two games. Australia were also on their way home after defeats to Chile and the Netherlands.
Spain's David Villa scores a goal with a back flick kick during their 2014 World Cup Group B soccer match against Australia at the Baixada arena in Curitiba, June 23, 2014. Credit: Reuters
Spain's David Villa (R) scores past Australia's Mathew Ryan (C) during their 2014 World Cup Group B soccer match at the Baixada arena in Curitiba, June 23, 2014. Credit: Reuters
Coach Vicente del Bosque made seven changes from the Spanish team that started the 2-0 defeat by Chile.
Midfielder Andres Iniesta kept his place and won his 100th cap.
Iniesta, scorer of the winner in the 2010 final, showed his craft by helping to create Villa's goal with a superb pass that sent defender Juanfran clear in space on the right wing.
Villa, Spain's record goalscorer, claimed his 59th goal in 97 games for his country when he turned in the cross. It was probably his last appearance for Spain as he prepares to play in MLS soccer next year.
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.
Spain's David Villa (R) scores past Australia's goalkeeper Mathew Ryan (C) during their 2014 World Cup Group B soccer match at the Baixada arena in Curitiba, June 23, 2014. Credit: Reuters
Spain's David Villa (2nd R) scores past Australia's goalkeeper Mathew Ryan (L) during their 2014 World Cup Group B soccer match at the Baixada arena in Curitiba, June 23, 2014. Credit: Reuters
"It was a dignified way to end our participation here. We took control of the match and we were the better team," Del Bosque said in an interview with Spanish television.
Australia coach Ange Postecoglou said his team had faded after performing well in the first 10 to 15 minutes.
"We just looked a little bit tired. We've faced three world class opponents and today we really struggled," he said.