Scotland 0 Argentina 1

IT WAS the foot of Maxi Rodriguez, not the Hand of God, that won the match for Argentina at a wet and wind-swept Hampden Park last night, writes Ian Roache.

Much had been made in the build-up of Diego Maradona’s return to the place where he made his international mark in 1979 and his love affair with the Tartan Army due to his famous—or infamous—goal against England in the World Cup in Mexico seven years later.

However, it was a slick passing move finished off by the boot of the Atletico Madrid man that earned the Argentinians this victory.

The Scots did all right, considering the calibre of the opposition, injury call-offs and experimentation from manager George Burley.

Now there is the long wait to March 28 in the Amsterdam Arena to face Holland in the next World Cup qualifier.

Scotland lined up in 4-4-2 formation against Maradona’s men, with James McFadden joining fellow frontman Chris Iwelumo, who was praying for a chance to make amends for his amazing miss last time out against Norway.

There was a minute’s silence held in memory of former Scots boss Ian McColl, which was followed by a rousing cheer as the Tannoy announcer welcomed Maradona “home.”

The Scots fans were also happy to see skipper Barry Ferguson back in dark blue after injury, while the same could be said of Spurs’ rampaging full-back Alan Hutton.

On the bench was Dundee United midfielder Scott Robertson, hoping to sample full international football for the first time.

There may not have been any Lionel Messi—such a hit at Tannadice in the summer for his club Barcelona—on show for the South Americans but there was still skill in abundance in their ranks.

The visitors had a spectacular attempt on goal to get things started on six minutes.

Scots keeper Allan McGregor, in for the injured Craig Gordon, sprang to his right to push away a volley delivered by Javier Mascherano from all of 25 yards.

But the opener was delayed a mere two minutes.

It was a beauty of a move that sliced open the Scots, with Manchester United star Carlos Tevez darting in from the right, pushing a pass through to Jonas Gutierrez inside the box.

The Newcastle man dinked it on to Rodriguez and the ball was poked into the net before McGregor could get near it.

Tevez was enjoying himself in a play-making role. He cut the rearguard open again but Ezequiel Lavezzi could only hit the goalie with his shot.

The Scots had to show they were still interested and, on 22 minutes, McFadden got on the end of a Kris Commons cross, spun around then had his on- target strike blocked by defender Martin Demichelis.

The hosts were having a good spell now and Stephen McManus came close with a header on 27 minutes after Kirk Broadfoot had nodded on a Commons corner.

Tevez had a go from the edge of the area on 36 minutes but his shot was too high to trouble McGregor.

Then it was McFadden’s turn at the other end as he pounced on some dithery defending from Demichelis and tried a snap shot that was well held by Argentina keeper Juan Pablo Carrizo.

Tevez, who was topping the bill in Messi’s absence, was clattered by Gary Caldwell, earning the Celtic defender a booking right on the stroke of half-time.

There was to be no shot at redemption for Iwelumo, who failed to reappear after the break and on in his place came Aber-deen striker Lee Miller.

It took 10 minutes of the second period for the Scots to threaten, when McFadden was just beaten to a ball inside the box by keeper Carrizo.

There was a big moment in the life of United midfielder Robertson when he replaced Scots captain Barry Ferguson on 59 minutes to make his debut, with Paul Hartley also making way for Celtic colleague Shaun Maloney.

Robertson got involved straight away, helping to link up play with his first few touches as the Scots searched for an equaliser, while fellow sub Miller came close with a near-post header off a Maloney corner.

After Stephen McManus chopped down Demichelis just outside the box with 73 minutes on the clock, Gabriel Heinze blasted the resultant free-kick over the bar. McManus was then replaced by Hearts defender Christophe Berra.

As is often the case with friendlies, the second half lacked the fluency of the first as both teams made changes.

Some of German referee Felix Brych’s decisions were winding-up the Tartan Army and the jeering continued with two minutes to go when Robertson was booked for a challenge on Real Madrid man Fernando Gago.

Attendance—32,492.

Scotland—McGregor (Rangers), Hutton (Tottenham), Broadfoot (Rangers), McManus (Celtic) replaced by Berra (Hearts) 75, Caldwell (Celtic), Ferguson (Rangers, capt) rep by Robertson (Dundee Utd) 59, Brown (Celtic) rep by Alexander (Burnley) 83, Hartley (Celtic) rep by Maloney (Celtic) 59, Iwelumo (Wolves) rep by Miller (Aberdeen) 45, McFadden (Birmingham) rep by Clarkson (Motherwell) 67, Commons (Derby). Subs not used—Marshall (Norwich), Alexander (Burnley), Naysmith (Sheffield Utd), Barr (Falkirk), McAllister (Bristol City).

Argentina—Carrizo, Demichelis, Papa (Diaz 86), Gago, Heinze, Lavezzi, Zanetti, Tevez, Mascherano, Maxi Rodriguez (Sosa 90), Gutierrez (Gonzalez 71). Subs not used—Romero, Coloccini, Denis, Villagra, Burdisso, Lopez, Montenegro.

Referee—Felix Brych (Germany).

lÿMatch reaction on Page 24.