Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has admitted that he did not realise David Villa was playing his final match for the national team when he substituted the striker during their win over Australia.

The Atletico Madrid man marked his 97th cap by scoring the opening goal in La Roja's 3-0 victory, which was their last match at the World Cup in Brazil.

Villa was visibly emotional as he sat out the remaining minutes of the second half on the bench.

"I'm sure he was angry," Goal.com quotes Del Bosque as saying.

"He says it was his last game and I didn't know. I'm sure he was disgusted. It was the moment to close the game out and we did so."

Spain goalkeeper Pepe Reina believes that Villa's retirement from international football has left a big void in the team.

Written by
Steven Toplis