Nobody would have though Spain would be playing a dead rubber in their final Group B match against Australia, not because they have already qualified, but because they are already out of the FIFA World Cup 2014.
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The Group B encounter is scheduled for a 1 pm local time (9.30 pm IST, 5 pm BST, 12 pm ET) start with live coverage on Sony Six and and Sony Six HD in India. The game can also be watched online via live streaming in India HERE. Catch the action in the UK on ITV and BBC with the live streaming option HERE or HERE. Viewers in Australia can watch HERE online, while South Africa viewers can catch the match HERE. US viewers can catch the game on ESPN while you can also live stream the action HERE.
But that is the reality that stares in the face of Spain, and the players will need to roar themselves on for one final hurrah before they bid goodbye to their title defence.
With the Netherlands and Chile having already qualified from Group B, even Australia, who were much better than Spain over their two matches, have nothing but pride to play for.
Irrespective of the result on Monday, though, Australia, gallant, impressive and unlucky against Chile and Holland, can leave with their heads held high, but the same cannot be said about Spain, who were thoroughly outclassed by both the Dutch and the South Americans.
"I would like to have played with something still up for grabs but we are playing for the pride of winning a match at this World Cup," said Raul Albiol, who is expected to feature against Australia.
"Every match should be exciting, even if it's a friendly in Vietnam. We have to go off on holiday with positive feelings."
Coach Vicente Del Bosque admitted every player who hasn't gained a minute so far in this tournament will get an opportunity, while also revealing Andres Iniesta would feature, with the ace midfielder set to play in his 100th cap – the Barcelona man would certainly not have thought this momentous occasion would be his and his country's last participation at this 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil before the start of the tournament.
"We'll try to make sure that everyone who has come to Brazil plays at least once," Del Bosque said. "We won't forget that tomorrow is Iniesta's 100th game. He will play."
Australia will be desperate to not leave this World Cup without anything to show for their efforts, which has been quite impressive.
On another day, Australia could have easily walked into the game against Spain having bagged six points; but that is not the case, and the Socceroos, who will be without their talisman Tim Cahill because of suspension, will want to end their tournament on a high note.
"We've got plenty to play for," coach Ange Postecoglou said. "This is our fourth World Cup and we've only won two World Cup games.
"If we are going to continue to improve and become the nation that we want to become and be feared, we've got to start winning games at this level."
