AKIPRESS.COM - Australia has lost to Spain 0-3 in its final match at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil after goals to Juan Mata, Fernando Torres and the A-League-bound David Villa.

Australia started positively in the first half, looking to set a quick tempo early on with snappy passes and pressure on the Spanish midfield, the ABC said.

But Spain eventually got into the tussle, keeping the ball for lengthy spells, with Villa a regular attacking outlet down the left.

The first warning shot came as Santi Cazorla saw a shot blocked in a crowded area, before a low Villa cross beat everyone as the ball skimmed across the face of goal.

Cazorla's cross then got past the onrushing Mat Ryan, but the Australian defence cleared the danger.

Spain then opened the scoring on the 36th minute when right-back Juanfran beat his man to the byline before cutting the ball back to Villa, who expertly back-heeled the ball into the net.

Australia almost hit back immediately, goalkeeper Pepe Reina hacking the ball clear in a goalmouth scramble.

That was a rare threat from an inexperienced Australian team who missed the presence of suspended leading scorer Tim Cahill up front.

Mathew Leckie proved to be Australia's main dangerman, cutting inside to constantly trouble Spain down the right flank with his pace.

The Socceroos had opportunities to test Spain's backline with two Tommy Oar free-kicks, but none of them eventuated in clear-cut chances.

Spain was always the dominant side in the second half, despite the introduction of outgoing Socceroo Mark Bresciano.