Australia vs Spain: David Villa in tears after being substituted at World Cup

The striker scored on his final appearance for La Roja

Simon Rice
Monday 23 June 2014 18:36 BST
Comments
David Villa shows his emotions after coming off for Spain against Australia
David Villa shows his emotions after coming off for Spain against Australia (GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.

The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.

Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.

David Villa was unable to contain his emotions after his Spain career came to an end after being substituted against Australia.

The striker, who recently signed for New York City, broke down in tears on the bench after playing his last game in what has been an incredible spell for the national team that sees him leave the international stage as his country's leading all-time scorer.

Having not been used in the first two games, both losses that ended any hope Spain had of progressing to the next stage, Villa was used from the start in the Group B dead-rubber against Australia.

With Spain failing to score from open play prior to today's match, the 32-year-old managed to show what they will be missing when he scored after 36 minutes with a flick off the inside of his heel.

David Villa scores for Spain against Australia
David Villa scores for Spain against Australia (GETTY IMAGES)

The former Barcelona striker ends his Spain career with 58 goals in 96 appearances and the Euro 2008 trophy and 2010 World Cup to his name.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in