Battle for first place - World Cup Day 12 in pictures

There was no spot in the knockout stage on the line for either Spain or Australia. Both sides had already been eliminated from the tournament. For the Socceroos, it was about grabbing a win after two valiant but ultimately losing performances. Spain, meanwhile, desperately needed to regain their dignity after a shocking group stage exit.

David Villa effectively ended his international career by scoring Spain's first of the evening. The 32-year-old is set for a move stateside to MLS, by way of Australia. In 97 international appearances, he has found the back of the net an astonishing 59 times, making him his country's all-time leading scorer.

Australia had lost, but did so with pride in their opening two matches. For much of those games, it looked as though the Socceroos had a chance to earn a point, but against Spain on Monday, it was much different. The young Australians conceded three times. Fernando Torres (pictured) scored Spain's second in the 69th minute, with Juan Mata making it 3-0 just eight minutes from time.

The Netherlands took on Chile in a battle for Group B dominance - a win for either side would see them top the group. Ultimately, it was the Dutch who prevailed in a deserved 2-0 victory that saw them finish the tournament's opening phase with nine points.

After a scoreless first half, Dutch coach Louis Van Gaal turned to his bench to change the tide of the game. Immediately after coming on, Leroy Fer's header broke the deadlock in the 77th minute. Fellow substitute Memphis Depay sealed the 2-0 result in extra time after finishing off Arjen Robben's cross.

Despite ending the group stage with a defeat, Chile can walk into the World Cup round of 16. They're likely to play South American rivals Brazil. The hosts would be heavy favorites, but teams from the Western hemisphere have continued to surprise at the tournament thus far, and Chile are no exception.

Brazil always looked likely to win Group A and their 4-1 drubbing of Cameroon assured just that. Volker Finke's African side have struggled all tournament and Thursday's encounter in Brasilia was no different.

Brazil's star was on target against Cameroon. His two goals in the first half put the match out of reach early. He was a class apart on Thursday and leads the World Cup goal scoring table with four so far.

The man at the top of the Brazilian attack, Fred, has come under fire for failing to score thus far in the tournament. But the mustasched striker found the back of the net on Thursday, scoring Brazil's third in the 49th minute. Fernandinho added a fourth just before injury time to make it 4-1.

After finishing atop Group A, Brazil now face Chile in the Round of 16. South American sides have faired well at the tournament thus far, and Chile will be a tough test for the hosts.

Mexico took on Croatia to battle it out for Group A's second spot. Only a win would do for the Croatians, but it was the CONCACAF side that put their foot on the gas. It finished 3-1 to the Mexicans, who will continue their entertaining football into the Round of 16.

Captain Rafa Marquez, wearing the armband for his fourth World Cup, scored Mexico's first of the night with a classic header. The goal put the Mexicans in the driver's seat, and they never looked back.

A second place spot in Group A means Mexico will face the Netherlands in the Round of 16 on June 29. It's bound to be an attacking match-up between two of the World Cup's more entertaining sides.