David Villa ended his international career with a brilliant backheel but couldn't hide his emotions when substituted during Spain's win against Australia...

David Villa left in tears on the Spain bench after being substituted in win against Australia to end international career

• Former Barcelona striker scored a brilliant backheel
• Vicente Del Bosque replaced the New York-bound man with Juan Mata
• Del Bosque later said he 'didn't know' it was Villa's last game
  
• Spain finish Group B in third spot behind Holland and Chile 
  

PUBLISHED: 18:46 GMT, 23 June 2014 | UPDATED: 08:22 GMT, 24 June 2014

 
 
 

David Villa ended his international career with a brilliant backheel but couldn't hide his emotions when substituted during Spain's win against Australia. 

The 32-year-old announced his retirement from playing for his country prior to the World Cup and is set to link-up with New York FC when the defending world champions fly back from Brazil. 

And the raw feeling was plain for all to see when Villa was hooked by Vicente Del Bosque in the second half of the 3-0 win. 

VIDEO Scroll down to watch David Villa scoring a brace for Spain in World Cup warm-up

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Arm around the shoulder: David Villa is consoled by Diego Costa on the Spain bench after being substituted

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All over: Iker Casillas (left) and Santi Cazorla went over to Villa as he left the international stage for a final time

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Showing their appreciation: Pedro, Casillas and Gerard Pique stood up to applaud Villa upon being taken off

VIDEO Spain bow out on high

 

 

More...

• Australia 0-3 Spain: David Villa, Fernando Torres and Juan Mata help restore pride for Vicente Del Bosque's under-fire side
• Australia 0-3 Spain - World Cup 2014 match report: Juan Mata, Fernando Torres and David Villa all score as champions go home
• Spain have been a sorry mess at the World Cup, lack leaders and Vicente Del Bosque has to go after Group B elimination
• Xabi Alonso hits out to deny claims he has quit Spain despite rumours of international retirement after the World Cup outburst

Team-mates rushed to console the striker as he exited in the 57th minute. 

And while he seemed to be holding it together as he trudged off, Villa appeared to burst into tears when he sat down on the bench. 

Diego Costa had his arm around the former Atletico Madrid and Barcelona frontman while he was comforted by a coach. 

Pedro, Iker Casillas and Gerard Pique were up in appreciation as he came off. 

Del Bosque later revealed he was unaware it was Villa's last international.

'He (Villa) certainly seemed very annoyed. He said it was his last game, but I didn't know that. I'm sure he was upset,' the Spain boss told his post-match press conference.

'All I was thinking about is that it was time to kill off the game and we did that.'

The win against the Socceroos brought an end to what has been a dismal tournament for Del Bosque's side, who lost their opening two games and are surprisingly on their way home early. 

What a touch! The 32-year-old scored a sumptuous backheel to set Spain on their way against Australia