By TIM FONTENAULT

Already eliminated from the tournament entering their final Group Stage match, Spain cruised to a 3-0 win over Australia Monday afternoon.

Spain’s reign at the top of the soccer world is over, but they go out on top, as does David Villa.

Playing his final matches for La Roja, Villa scored the opening goal for the defending World Cup champions. New York City FC’s inaugural signing flicked the ball into the net with a beautiful back-heel goal in the 36th minute. Villa came off after 57 minutes to an incredible and teary ovation. Villa earned the SBI Man of the Match award for his goal.

In 97 international appearances, Spain’s record scorer has 59 goals. His goal against Australia was his ninth career World Cup goal. He scored five goals during the 2010 tournament that Spain won.

Villa wins the Man of the Match award over fellow goal scorers Juan Mata and Fernando Torres and defender Juanfran.

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What did you think of Villa’s performance? Which player stood out the most to you?

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