Spain got a much needed win against Australia and can now leave the tournament with some dignity intact. David Villa and Fernando Torres were the men who came to the Spaniards' rescue. Villa was the player who was elementary in Spain's win last World Cup. The Spaniards beat the Aussies 3-0
Spain has been the epitome of World Football for the last six years but their reign has come to an end. After the humiliating 5-1 defeat against Netherlands followed by a 2-0 loss against Chile, the defending champions fate at the tournament was sealed by an elimination. Nevertheless, a win against Australia was crucial for Spain. No defending champion has ever exited a tournament without securing a single point. France came closest in 2002 when it came last in its group, having only managed to draw one of its games in its goalless campaign in South Korea.
Spain's "tiki-taka" style of play, keeping the ball for long stretches with short passes, and only shooting when you had a clear opening, has not been working so well in recent years. Brazil defeated Spain 3-0 in last summer's Confederations Cup, a warm-up for the World Cup.
"We have no excuses," said Spain coach Vicente del Bosque, according to Los Angeles Daily News. "We were too slow, timid from the start today. It's a sad day for all of the players. Time to think about the future."
The team also said they were disappointed with how things turned out for them. Captain Iker Casillas said there was a lack of commitment while midfielder Xabi Alonso thought there wasn't enough hunger. According to Fernando Torres, Spain was "just not good enough."
"We didn't know how to maintain our hunger or that conviction needed to win a tournament. The joy and success we've experienced is over," Alonso said from the Maracana stadium, according to ABC News. "We lost our knowhow, which has helped us win so many of these important games. It doesn't feel like our other tournaments."
Australia, on the other hand, lost its first match against Chile but won a billon hearts with its 3-2 loss against Netherlands. The team's star player Time Cahill was missing in action against the Spaniards after receiving yellow cards in two consecutive games. In the same group, Chile and the Netherlands made it to the knockout stage. In the group's last match, Netherlands won against Chile 2-0.