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Rediff.com  » Sports » PHOTOS: Deposed champions Spain make short work of Australia
This article was first published 10 years ago

PHOTOS: Deposed champions Spain make short work of Australia

June 24, 2014 00:20 IST

Image: Fernando Torres of Spain (right) celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammates
Photographs: Ian Walton/Getty Images

Goals from David Villa, Fernando Torres and Juan Mata helped deposed champions Spain sign off on a winning note with a 3-0 win over Australia in Curitiba.

The win helped Spain finish third in Group B, behind the Netherlands and Chile.

Torres, under severe criticism for his failure against the Dutch that cost his team dear, slid home in the 69th minute when set clear in the penalty box.

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Andres Iniesta won his 100th cap

Image: Mathew Leckie of Australia is challenged by Andres Iniesta of Spain
Photographs: Ian Walton/Getty Images

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.

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Villa claimed his 59th goal in 97 games for Spain

Image: David Villa of Spain (left) celebrates scoring his team's first goal with Juanfran
Photographs: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Villa neatly back-heeled the opener in the 36th minute after Spain carved open the Australian defense.

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.

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Tags: Spain , MLS

Juan Mata rolled a third goal

Image: Juan Mata of Spain (centre) celebrates scoring his team's third goal with teammates Sergio Ramos (left) and Cesc Fabregas
Photographs: Ian Walton/Getty Images

Substitute Juan Mata rolled a third goal between the legs of goalkeeper Mat Ryan in the 82nd minute as Australia ran out of steam.

The Manchester United star made an impact soon after he was introduced. 

Australia, who missed the presence of suspended leading scorer Tim Cahill up front, failed to impress.