Spain vs. Australia, 2014 World Cup: Final score 3-0, Spain get a consolation victory over the Socceroos

The first real chance of the game for either team came in the 20th minute when Andrés Iniesta picked out David Villa at the far post. Villa’s volleyed effort sailed well wide, but he was ruled offside anyway, even though it appeared he wasn’t on replays.

Three minutes later, Australian goalkeeper Matthew Ryan denied Jordi Alba from short range after Spain finally managed to put together a few passes and look dangerous. Alba’s shot was rushed just a bit, allowing Ryan to react and fight it off.

David Villa made a great run in the 34th minute, working his way to the touchline on the left side of the box before sending a ball across the face of goal. Despite having teammates in the vicinity, no one was able to get a boot on the ball, and it rolled through to no result.

Finally in the 36th minute, Villa just decided to finish a chance himself and give Spain a 1-0 lead. Juanfran worked down the right side, hesitating as long as he could to allow Villa time to get in position. With the striker finally in place, Juanfran crossed right to his feet and David Villa did the rest.

Spain doubled the lead in the 69th minute when Andrés Iniesta sliced the Australian defense in two with a wonderful pass that found Fernando Torres in space behind the back line. Torres did the rest, sliding a finish past Ryan to make it 2-0.

Juan Mata added a third goal in the 82nd minute.

Spain: Reina, Juanfran, Albiol, Ramos, Alba, Alonso (Silva 84’), Koke, Cazorla (Fàbregas 68’), Iniesta, Villa (Mata 57’), Torres

Goals: Villa (36’), Torres (69’), Mata (82’)

Australia: Ryan, McGowan, Wilkinson, Špiranović, Davidson, Jedinak, McKay, Oar (Troisi 61’), Bozanic (Bresciano 72’), Leckie, Taggart (Halloran 46’)

Goals: None