Early Rodriguez strike sees Argentina win at Hampden

Maxi Rodriguez's goal in the 8th minute condemned an uninspired Scotland side to defeat at the hands of a technically superior Argentina. The final result of 1-0 may appear to be a positive sign for Scotland, however it fails to convey the one-sided nature of a match that the hosts never looked like winning.

Going into the game the Argentinean squad appeared to be largely ignored in favour of the Diego Maradona side-show. However, if Scotland were expecting an upset against a team lacking focus, Argentina’s early dominance quickly revealed the size of the task they faced.

With Scotland having barely touched the ball, Rodriguez coolly slotted past Allan McGregor after Carlos Tevez and Jonás Manuel Gutierrez cut the home defence wide open with a swift passing move.

The home side struggled to match the speed and movement of the visitors with only Barry Ferguson and Kris Commons impressing for Scotland in the opening quarter. Commons continuously challenged the visitor’s defence with his impressive pace and passing and James McFadden provided the Scots with their only goal threat when he struck two shots that were easily gathered by Carrizo.

After scoring early Argentina appeared to relax, allowing the Scots increased possession and territory. Failing to beat the visitor’s at their own fluid passing game, Scotland resorted to targeting striker Chris Iwelumo with long balls from midfield.

Iwelumo, having only found the net for Championship side Wolverhampton three times since his catastrophic miss on his Scotland debut, was completely ineffectual despite towering above the Argentine defence. His woeful first half performance resulted in Lee Miller coming on up front on 46 minutes in an attempt to assist the industrious McFadden.

The second half continued with the home side unable to find the incisive pass to unlock the visitors’ defence. With both teams struggling to find the back of the net, it was Scotland who seized the initiative; Shaun Maloney, Scott Robertson, Christophe Berra, and David Clarkson came on for Hartley, Ferguson, McManus and McFadden respectively.

Despite Scotland's fresh impetus they failed to break down the Argentine defence which was bolstered by the midfield sitting deep, allowing the home side to play laterally on the half way line. Argentina's patience almost paid off when quick counter-attacks provided Gabriel Heinze and German Denis' with late opportunities to double the visitors’ lead.

Scotland couldn't find the cutting edge to sneak a late equaliser and the game finished 1-0 thanks to some last-ditch tackling by the hosts in the dying moments.

Scotland manager George Burley felt that the game provided some new players with great big-game experience:

"We introduced some new players and they worked very hard. Overall, I'm very pleased, it was a great workout” he said.

With crucial World Cup Qualifiers away to Holland on the 28th March and at home to Iceland four days later, Burley will be hopeful that the injured squad members unavailable for this game will return to inject some much needed attacking incisiveness.