As Spain potentially ended a trophy-laden era with a comprehensive victory over Australia, David Villa placed far more emphasis on the changing of La Roja’s old guard.
After being given the opportunity to impress his new Australian audience for the coming season, Villa set about his task in some style. Always keen to drive at his man and cut infield from the left hand side, the former Valencia striker lit up the first half. Positive and direct in his running, capping his overall run-out with a goal, El Guaje signed off for Spain in memorable fashion. His cheeky, instinctive backheeled chop of a finish represented plenty that had been left unsaid – La Roja were in the process of losing perhaps their best ever forward.
Vicente del Bosque opted to ring the changes after elimination against Chile, though Andres Iniesta maintained his place and continued to display his importance. Splitting the Socceroos’ defence on two separate occasions, the Barcelona playmaker showed his worth and justified his Coach’s decision to keep him in the XI. The first, an intelligent ball in between Matthew Spiranovic and Jason Davidson which invited Juanfran to the bye-line down the right hand side, before a scything pass through the lines for Torres allowed for the Chelsea man to tuck a smart finish in between the legs of Ryan.
Despite being 30 years of age, Iniesta proved that to displace all of Spain’s previously successful side would be irresponsible. Confidence is low and misplaced passes are uncharacteristically common, but the nucleus of Del Bosque’s fearsome squad can still be held together. Sergio Ramos showed a desire to not end his World Cup campaign in defeat, while David Silva and Santi Cazorla buzzed around the midfield third brightly. Both fullbacks were unafraid to venture forward, while Raul Albiol plugged the gap left by Gerard Pique at the heart of the defence.
The quality of the opposition, granted, was far lower than during the other two group games in which Spain suffered. But a comfortable victory goes some way to defusing the panic which has engulfed La Roja over the past fortnight.
As Australia tired, Spain grew in confidence and it was almost possible to forget that Del Bosque’s men had crashed out of the World Cup prematurely. Juan Mata ended the scoring with another impressive finish beyond the Socceroos’ goalkeeper, with the occasion set up for fringe players to impress.
Spain’s proximate friendlies may just pave the way for the future. With nothing on the line, Del Bosque has already displayed the fact that he is prepared to experiment with his personnel and give others an opportunity, but there are still gaping holes in La Roja’s future.
David Villa may have played a peripheral role in the current World Cup, but to not recognise his achievements with and contributions to Spain would be a disservice. His international retirement just might signal the end of an era and the changing of the guard for La Roja, with his passionate celebration following his goal and the desperate tears on the substitutes’ bench personifying the passion required to don the Spanish jersey during a difficult transitional period.
