Live Commentary: Australia 0-3 Spain - as it happened

Hello all! Sports Mole's World Cup coverage continues this afternoon as Australia and Spain both conclude their Group B campaigns with a clash in Parana. In truth, it is not much of a surprise that Australia failed to make it through the group, but Spain's elimination has been the story of the tournament thus far. La Roja will want to avoid the embarrassment of finishing bottom of the section.

TEAM NEWS: Spain boss Vicente del Bosque promised changes following the defeat to Chile and that is indeed the case. Pepe Reina replaces Iker Casillas in goal, while there are also defensive starts for Juanfran and Raul Albiol. Santi Cazorla, Koke, David Villa and Fernando Torres also come into the XI. Australia, meanwhile, are without the suspended Tim Cahill. Adam Taggart is given the lone role in attack, with the impressive Matthew Leckie supporting from a wide position. Full teams to follow.

TEAMS:

Australia: Ryan; McGowan, Davidson, Spiranovic, Wilkinson; Oar, Bozanic, Jedinak, McKay, Leckie; Taggart

Spain: Reina; Juanfran, Ramos, Albiol, Alba; Cazorla, Alonso, Koke, Iniesta; Torres, Villa

As mentioned, this is the first time that Australia and Spain have ever met in international football. In addition, it will be Spain's first ever match against an Oceanic team in a FIFA World Cup. Spain would have expected to have entered this fixture already qualified for the next round or possibly needing just a point to progress, but it has been a tournament to forget for the defending champions this summer.

A draw for Australia would see them finish above Spain due to their superior goal difference, while a win for the Socceroos would leave Spain open to further criticism. That said, Australia have won only one of their seven World Cup games against European opposition – a 2-1 victory over Serbia in 2010.

Opa :D (@ Arena da Baixada for Australia vs Spain w/ @luhveras) https://t.co/Q2taPA3eOo pic.twitter.com/fZ7qh537Y4 — Leonardo Spricigo (@leospricigo) June 23, 2014

In terms of qualification for this summer's tournament, Australia were drawn into Group B of the Asian qualification section alongside Japan, Jordan, Oman and Iraq. The Socceroos were winless in their first three matches, but went unbeaten in their last five to eventually secure second place in the section, four points behind winners Japan. They needed to beat Iraq in their final group match to secure a spot in Brazil and that was indeed the case following a late strike from Joshua Kennedy. Overall, they collected 13 points from their eight matches, winning three times and suffering just one defeat in the process.

What about their manager? At the age of 48, Ange Posteoglou is one of the youngest managers at the tournament. The former Melbourne Victory boss took charge of Australia in October 2013, signing a five-year deal. He is also Australia's most successful domestic club coach having won two premierships, four championships and a continental title. As a player, Greek-born Postecoglou won four Australian caps.

Australia opened their Group B campaign with a clash against much-fancied Chile and impressed despite a 3-1 defeat to the South American side. That left the Socceroos needing to take something from their match against Netherlands. It was another spirited display, but they were defeated 3-2 by the European side, who secured their own qualification as a result of the three points.

Pepe Reina starts in goal for #ESP pic.twitter.com/ziaJDQcNjy — thesportsbreakfast (@BreakfastSports) June 23, 2014

This summer was just the fourth time that Australia have competed in a World Cup. They failed to make it out of the group stages in both 1974 and 2010, but made it to the first knockout round in 2006. It is another group-stage exit for the nation this time around, but there have been plenty of positives that is for certain.

Spain, meanwhile, have been the disappointment of the summer. La Roja entered the tournament as the defending champions and although no European team has ever won the World Cup on South American soil, Vicente del Bosque's side were expected to be among the front runners for the crown once more.

Spain were humbled 5-1 in their opening match of the competition against Netherlands, before losing 2-0 to Chile in their second group match. La Roja have never lost all three games in a World Cup group, but have already become the fourth reigning champions to exit a World Cup in the group stages of the competition.

Incredibly, Spain's record of seven goals conceded this summer is one more than they conceded in winning Euro 2008, the World Cup in 2010 and Euro 2012 combined. It has been a serious shock to the system for La Roja.

Spain booked their spot in the finals this summer after topping Group I in their European qualification section. Del Bosque's side picked up 20 points from their eight matches, remaining unbeaten in the process and boasting a goal difference of plus 11. They did drop points against Finland and France, but ultimately finished three points clear of second-placed France, who have been a revelation thus far this summer.

Despite Spain's recent success, La Roja have only won the World Cup once (2010), with their previous best arriving in 1950 (fourth). They reached the quarter-finals in 1986, 1994 and 2002, but were eliminated in the round of 16 in 2006. Right, little over 15 minutes until kickoff in this Group B fixture.

Talk of Spain's recent domination coming to an end is slightly premature, but changes need to be made ahead of Euro 2016 and indeed the next World Cup in Russia. One thing is for certain, La Roja have an abundance of talent coming through the ranks and it will surely only be a slight blip for the European outfit.

Just a reminder that Group B's other two teams – Netherlands and Chile – are also due to kickoff at 5pm UK time today. While this particular match will not mean too much in terms of the competition, that is not the case in Group B's other fixture. The winner of that tie will top the group and therefore gain a favourable draw in the last-16 stage of the competition. I shall keep you updated with any goals from that match.

PREDICTION: Can Australia put the final nail in the coffin for Spain? I have been impressed with the Group B underdogs this summer, but I have a feeling that this will be one match too far. A number of players have something to prove in the Spain XI and I am expecting a comfortable 2-0 Spain victory.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. Following the completion of the national anthems, we will be just about ready to get this Group B fixture underway in Parana.

The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just a reminder that Group B's other fixture is between Netherlands and Chile, with that clash deciding who tops the section.

Who will gain the wooden spoon in Group B? Spain will want to end on a positive note, but Australia will have something to say about that. Right, Australia get the first 45 minutes of action underway.

It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium. This match might not mean much in terms of the group, but try telling that to the supporters. It has been a confident start from Australia, with Oar gaining ground down the right, but eventually his low cross rolls behind for a Spain goal kick.

Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of minutes with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. Not too much from Spain in the early exchanges, with Australia comfortable in dealing with the threat. Cazorla looks for Torres, but Ryan is out to collect.

Half-chance for Australia as Leckie delivers a dangerous cross into the Spain box, but Ramos rises above Taggart to clear the danger. Australia continue to force the issue through Leckie, who looks for Taggart, but Reina is out to clear. Spain have not really started in the opening six minutes of this Group B clash.

Half-chance, again for Leckie, as the Australia winger finds some space outside the Spain box, but his effort is wide of the post. Spain go from left to right moments later, but Juanfran loses control as Spain's poor start continues. We have seen little from Spain's front two of Villa and Torres in the early exchanges.

First real sign of Torres as the Chelsea striker collects a through pass from Koke, but the forward cannot run away from Jedinak and the danger is cleared. Spain have just started to enjoy more of the possession in forward areas, but neither side has created a clear opportunity in the opening 10 minutes of football.

Leckie remains a threat for Australia following a long pass from Bozanic, but Alba is across to clear the danger. Spain are down the other end with Iniesta moments later, but Wilkinson challenges the Barcelona midfielder. Plenty of pace to the match, but the final pass has not been there for either side thus far.

Torres again threatens to run behind the Australian defence following a through pass from Koke, but Ryan is out to clear once more. Australia are down the other end with Leckie in the next attack, but the winger is forced inside and eventually Davidson's cross is cleared by Alba. Still goalless with 15 minutes on the clock.

Spain's passing has not been great in the last couple of minutes with Alonso and Alba both guilty of losing possession in the last couple of minutes. Australia continue to look a threat in the final third, but Taggart has been unable to make a telling impact thus far. Still we await the first real opportunity.

Half-chance for Spain as Villa combines with Cazorla outside the Australia box before the Arsenal midfielder drops his shoulder and shoots towards goal, but Wilkinson is on hand to make a fine block. Juanfran attempts to slide a pass into Torres moments later, but Ryan collects once more. Better from La Roja.

Villa has the opportunity to threaten for Spain after finding space inside the Australian box, but the experienced forward loses his footing and the chance is gone. Spain have a free kick just outside the area moments later when McKay fells Koke, but Iniesta's delivery is too long for Torres.

CHANCE! First real chance for Spain as Iniesta spots Villa at the far post, but the striker fires his effort high and wide of the crossbar. Poor finish from the experienced forward.

Spain have just started to up the tempo in the last few moments with Australia twice caught out in wide positions. However, Torres cannot meet a low cross from Koke, which had evaded three defenders. Australia are just struggling to keep the ball at the moment with little over 20 minutes of the first period remaining.

Strong pressure from Australia in the last couple of minutes with Taggart starting to see more of the ball in the final third. The forward combines with Leckie before driving a cross towards Jedinak, but Alonso is on hand to clear and Spain are on the break once more. Still goalless, but it is an end-to-end contest.

Slight lull in the match in the last couple of moments with both sides struggling to find that elusive pass in the final third. Unfortunately it has started to look like what it is - a match that means little in terms of the competition. Netherlands and Chile, meanwhile, are also still locked at 0-0 in Group B's other match.

Just a reminder that a point for Australia would see them finish third and hand the wooden spoon to Spain. La Roja force a corner following good work from Villa, but the resulting set piece is cleared by Jedinak.

Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. However, the referee has not seen fit to issue a card thus far. Villa drives a low cross into the Australia box moments later, but Torres cannot make a telling touch.

In truth, this is not great at the moment. Neither side has been able to find any real tempo in the final third, with both laboured in possession of the ball. Little under 10 minutes of the first period to play.

Brilliant, brilliant goal for Spain. Iniesta releases Juanfran with a through pass, the right-back in turn finds Villa, who flicks one into the bottom corner from close range. Sensational team goal.

Villa has looked the most likely in the first period and he deserves his goal there is no question about that. Australia attempt to launch a response down the other end, but Leckie's cross is collected by Reina.

Possession football from Spain in the latter stages of the first period, with Australia forced to chase shadows in the final third. You just get the feeling that another Spain goal would end this match as a contest. La Roja break with Koke following smart work from Juanfran once more, but his cross is into the arms of Ryan.

CHANCE! Spain come close to making it 2-0 as Koke strikes one from outside the box, but it just deflects wide of the post for a corner. Spain continue to force the issue in Parana.

OFF THE LINE! Almost 2-0 for Spain as Cazorla meets a through pass from Iniesta before clipping his effort past the onrushing Ryan, but Wilkinson is across to clear off the line.

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Spain leading 1-0 courtesy of a fine flick from Villa. Australia have had their moments, but it has been a half of few chances. As it stands, Spain would finish third and Australia would be handed the wooden spoon for finishing bottom of the section.

STATISTICS: Spain have had more of the ball with 57%, while they have had five attempts, four of which have been on target. Australia, however, have had just one attempt off target. The referee has not deemed it necessary to issue any cards, meanwhile, despite a couple of tasty challenges.

BENCH WATCH: Spain boss Del Bosque has said that he will hand those that have not been involved a chance to impress in this match and therefore Juan Mata will expect to feature in the second period. Australia, meanwhile, have the likes of Holland, Troisi and Vidosic in reserve.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that Villa's goal separates the two teams this afternoon. Right, Spain get the second 45 minutes underway.

David Villa is fourth player to score for Spain at three different World Cups, joining Julio Salinas, Fernando Hierro and Raúl. #AUS #ESP — Infostrada Sports (@InfostradaLive) June 23, 2014

SUB! Australia make one change at the interval with Ben Halloran replacing striker Taggart, who struggled to influence proceedings in the first period. Spain, however, are unchanged.

Confident start to the second period from Australia as Jedinak slides a through pass towards Leckie, who delivers a low cross into the La Roja box, but Albiol is on hand to clear the danger. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - will be key in terms of the final result.

Possession football from Australia in the early stages of the half, but they are finding it difficult to break through the Spain defence. Leckie continues to look the most likely with his mazy runs, but Juanfran has been impressive thus far. Netherlands against Chile, meanwhile, is still goalless in Group B.

Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with both sides giving the ball away far too easily in the final third. Australia look the team with the most attacking intent, but Halloran has struggled to influence the match since entering at the interval. Still 1-0 Spain after 52 minutes.

Pass, pass, pass from Spain in the final third, but there is not much substance to their work at the moment. In truth, it has been a poor start to the second period, with neither side creating a clear chance of note.

SUB! Spain make their first change of the match as Manchester United attacker Juan Mata enters the field in place of Villa. It is Mata's first action of this summer's World Cup.

Little over 30 minutes of football remaining and still Spain lead courtesy of that Villa strike. The experienced forward looks inconsolable on the bench after being replaced in what is his final appearance in a Spain shirt. He has made some mark on this Spain set-up there is no question about that.

Half-chance for Australia as McKay meets a bouncing ball on the edge of the Spain box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Chances have been few and far between since the interval this evening.

SUB! Australia make their second change as Troisi replaces Oar.

BOOKING! The first yellow of the match is handed to Ramos as the Spain captain dives into a poor challenge with Troisi.

Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last few moments, with both sides struggling to find their passing tempo in the final third. To be honest, it has not been a great match. The pace of the game has dropped and it looks like a match between two teams that have already been eliminated from the competition.

Good spell for Australia in the last couple of moments as Leckie combines with Troisi on the edge of the Spain box, but Alba comes across to clear at the vital moment. Halloran threatens in the next attack, but his cross is too long for Jedinak, who had made a late run into the Spain box.

SUB! Spain make their second change of the match as Fabregas replaces Cazorla.

We are in need of some excitement here. A moment of brilliance or perhaps a mistake. Nothing is happening at the moment as both sides continue to lose possession in the final third. As it stands, Australia will finish bottom of Group B, with Villa's first-half strike enough to move Spain into third spot.

Spain have their second of the match as Iniesta slides a brilliant pass into Torres, who settles on the ball before placing one into the bottom corner. Genius from Iniesta once more.

It is harsh on Australia, but some of their defending this afternoon has been poor. Just a reminder that Group B's other match between Netherlands and Chile is currently taking place and the score is still goalless.

SUB! Australia make their third change as Bresciano replaces Bozanic.

Half-chance for Australia as Troisi finds some space outside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Spain are down the other end with Mata moments later, but the move breaks down when Alba loses control in a wide position. Little over 15 minutes of normal time remaining in this Group B clash.

Half-chance for Australia on the counter, but Troisi just takes one touch too many and the danger is cleared by Ramos, who has had a comfortable afternoon. Spain are down the other end with Torres moments later, but the Chelsea forward's cross is cleared by Wilkinson. Spain look good for a third here.

Australia continue to dictate possession in the final third, but they are finding it difficult to create clear chances, with Ramos and Albiol strong in defensive areas. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining.

Spain have their third of the match as Mata collects a cross from Koke before placing his effort into the bottom corner. Brilliant finish from Mata, who has been bright since entering the field.

Three goals for Spain, which is perhaps slightly harsh on Australia, but their legs have gone in the final moments of this match. Australia will indeed finish bottom of Group B, with Spain in third position.

SUB! Third change for Spain as David Silva replaces Alonso.

Possession football from Spain as Australia continue to chase shadows. This has been one match too far for Australia, who have impressed at this summer's tournament. Little over three minutes remaining.

Half-chance for Australia as Davidson drives a low cross into the Spain box, but Ramos is across to clear at the vital moment. Davidson has a strike on goal following the resulting corner, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. I don't think that there will be too much added time at the end of the 90 minutes.

BOOKING! Yellow card for Spiranovic as the Australian fells Silva.

CHANCE! Spain come close to making it 4-0 as Silva meets a bouncing ball on the edge of the box, but his effort is just wide of the post.

CHANCE! Another chance for Spain as Alba drives into the Australia box before finding Mata, but Davidson is across to make a fine block. Australia just cannot get out of their half at the moment.

BOOKING! Jedinak enters the book for Australia following a late challenge on Mata.

So there we have it. Spain end their World Cup campaign on a positive note with a 3-0 win over Australia, who finish bottom of the group. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Until next time!