Villa marks final Spain cap predictably with another goal in 3-0 World Cup win over Australia

Spain's David Villa, right, is comforted by teammates as he leaves the pitch during the group B World Cup soccer match between Australia and Spain at the Arena da Baixada in Curitiba, Brazil, Monday, June 23, 2014. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) (The Associated Press)

Spain's Santi Cazorla comforts Spain's David Villa as he leaves the pitch during the group B World Cup soccer match between Australia and Spain at the Arena da Baixada in Curitiba, Brazil, Monday, June 23, 2014. Center is Spain's Juanfran.(AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) (The Associated Press)

CURITIBA, Brazil – David Villa marked his final appearance for Spain much like most of his previous ones — with a goal.

Villa opened the scoring at the Arena da Baixada stadium on Monday with his record 59th goal as the defending World Cup champions beat Australia 3-0 to avoid finishing last in Group B.

The striker marked his lone appearance in Brazil by deftly guiding Juanfran Torres' cross home with the inside of his right heel after 36 minutes.

Villa was overcome by emotion after being substituted in the 57th, burying his head in his hands. Not to shield his face from the blazing afternoon sun but to reflect on an international career that has seen him play a key role in Spain's consecutive European Championship victories and maiden World Cup triumph.