The colour of their shirts was symbolic and befitted the sombre occasion, matador red being replaced by funeral black.
Spain may have rounded off a demoralising few weeks with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Australia in Curitiba but there was little appetite for fiesta, no sense that they had achieved some kind of consolation. This, after all, was the end of an era.
From the line-up that had no place for those luminaries Xavi or Iker Casillas to the solemn trudge David Villa made to the touchline and the blank expression on Vicente del Bosque’s face at the final whistle, it felt like the time had come to say goodbye to those who have so entertained.
Something to cheer: Fernando Torres celebrates his goal with Xabi Alonso
Opener: David Villa's first-half goal set Spain on their way to an easy win
At the double: Chelsea striker Torres makes it 2-0 to Spain after the break
Clincher: Juan Mata sealed the win with a third goal late on
MATCH FACTS
Australia: Ryan, McGowan, Davidson, Spiranovic, Wilkinson, Oar (Troisi 61), Bozanic (Bresciano 72), Jedinak, McKay, Leckie, Taggart (Halloran 46).
Subs: Milligan, Wright, Langerak, Holland, Galekovic, Vidosic, Luongo.
Spain: Reina; Juanfran, Ramos, Albiol, Alba; Cazorla (Fabregas 68), Alonso (Silva 83), Koke, Iniesta; Torres, Villa (Mata 57).
Subs: Casillas, De Gea, Azpilicueta, Javi Martinez, Busquets, Xavi, Pedro, Diego Costa.
Goals: Villa 36, Torres 69, Mata 82.
Man of the match: Andres Iniesta.
For Villa, who set the ball rolling with a cute 36th minute back-heel, international retirement looms, as it does for Xabi Alonso. Xavi and Casillas may well follow, while Del Bosque has offered to fall on his sword after overseeing such a dismal defence of the trophy they won in 2010.
Changes, clearly, are afoot yet if the last two weeks have been a catastrophe for Spain, there can be no disputing that much of the previous six years have been breathtakingly glorious, a period in which our views on how football should be played were redefined.
It is why Spain’s exit from this carnival should be lamented. Holland and Chile, clearly, deserved to progress at their expense from Group B but you cannot help but feel the tournament will lack something when magicians like Andres Iniesta are no longer involved.
Joy: Goalscorers Mata and Torres celebrate
Rough and tumble: Australia's Mile Jedinak challenges Andres Iniesta
Spanish sandwich: Ben Halloran is crowded out by Mata and Jordi Alba
Iniesta, as has so often been the case, was the star of the show, his repertoire of passing too much for a limited Australia side to handle. This was his 100th appearance for Spain and, typically, he used the ball with metronomic precision; long or short, quick or slow, he always picked the right option.
Del Bosque made seven changes to the team that was humbled by Chile in Rio de Janeiro last Wednesday but Iniesta’s place was sacrosanct and his presence helped Spain negotiate a tricky opening period to get on top in the 23rd minute.
He ushered in Juanfran with a ball that was both immaculately timed and beautifully weighted, taking advantage of the time and space Australia had given him; Juanfran, who had surged into Australia’s penalty area, picked out Villa, who nonchalantly did the rest.
Floored: Torres goes to ground under the challenge of Matthew Spiranovic
Basement boys: Ryan McGowan reacts after Torres scored Spain's second
This was what we have come to expect from Spain: the change of pace, the runs that pull defences apart, the artistic passing and the killer instinct. It may have come two games too late but it was proof their gifts had not deserted them.
It was also a reminder of Villa’s talent. A new adventure beckons in Melbourne, then New York, but it has to be lamented he is departing both the European and international scene.
He is a wonderful striker, one who has the talents to thrive in the Champions League.
Missed opportunity: Villa sees a chance go begging
Taking a tumble: Tommy Oar is sent sprawling after a challenge by Juanfran
Getting shirty: Torres changes his top during the game
Once Villa had put Spain in front, the outcome was never in doubt. The surface in Curibita may not have been smooth but they still passed Australia to death, Iniesta picking out Fernando Torres for the second in the 69th minute before Juan Mata converted a pinpoint Cesc Fabregas ball late on.
That gave the score a realistic look but there were no smiles or warm embraces at the final whistle, no mood for celebration.
Then again, we should not be surprised. This era, after all, was supposed to end in a blaze of glory, not with ignominious failure.
No way through: Australia's Mathew Leckie is challenged by Jordi Alba
Midfield maestro: Xabi Alonson passes the ball off
Fancy footwork: Matt McKay tries to evade the challenge of Jordi Alba
Man marking: Santi Cazorla keeps an eye on Tommy Oar
Hefty tackle: Oliver Bozanic challenges Juanfran from behind
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