Spain's World Cup has been a disaster. Coming in looking to defend the title, the team as suffered two losses and has been eliminated from contention. After just two games, they no longer stand a chance to fight for back-to-back wins. Australia is in the same boat. After two losses, the team is eliminated, but will still be motivated to put up one more quality match before exiting Brazil.
Spain is looking to simply avoid further embarrassment. The team entered the tournament as a favorite not just because they won four years ago, but because they had a roster that could compete once again. However that failed to happen as frustrations ran high. Pride is one the line as the team would like to exit Brazil having at least netted one win in the tournament before being forced to watch the rest from home.
Xavi is expected to be back on the pitch for Spain. The midfielder was dropped against Chile, but coach Vicente del Bosque will not be repeating that mistake again. His passing game could be an x-factor against Australia. Del Bosque will switch the lineup around in wake of two disastrous games. Koko, Pedro and Juan Mata will take the frontlines as they bid their World Cup farewells. Del Bosque's main priority is keeping his job, something that is being placed into question after Spain failed to be competitors this year. He is hoping injecting a few new players will breathe life into Spain's game.
Australia might also be eliminated from World Cup contention, but beating the defending champions is motivation to end on a high note. The Socceroos have injuries to deal with that might make this game an uphill battle. Tim Cahill was suspended for this match, making Australia shorthanded on goal scorers. With the veteran out, it is time for Mathew Leckie to show what he do as a striker. Australia will highlight their next generation of talent in this game and Leckie is the highlight of that.
This match has no impact on the future games of the World Cup. Both Spain and Australia have been mathematically eliminated from title contention and will be headed out of Brazil sooner rather than later. Spain is the first defending champion to be knocked out of the tournament after just two games which means no matter what, they are heading home in disappoint. Ending on a high note is the only motivation.
