FIFA World Cup: Final Glory Spain defeats Australia, 3:0

Defending champion Spain salvaged some World Cup pride on with a convincing 3-0 victory over Australia in their last match at the tournament.

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. Juanfran had been found by a typically incisive pass by Andres Iniesta.

Iniesta was at the heart of the second goal too, providing the pass for Fernando Torres to steer the ball past Australia goalkeeper Maty Ryan in the 69th minute.

Juan Mata added the third in the 82nd from close range after he was found in space by Cesc Fabregas.

Though nothing rested on the game, Spain showed some of the clever passing football that has seen it dominate the game over the past six years — winning Euro 2008, its first World Cup in South Africa in 2010 and then Euro 2012.

With that domination now at an end, the task facing Spain coach Vicente del Bosque is to manage the transition from an aging squad that has won everything in the game — to a new generation of players waiting to take center stage.

Bosque, who reshuffled his lineup for the match, said: "There are still players who can help the team a lot and while we have to be aware of the younger players coming through, we shouldn't write off anybody."