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Scotland have been accused of playing “rubbish” football by Manchester City and Spain star Rodri.

The midfielder’s comments come after Scotland secured an historic 2-0 win over Spain in their Euro 2024 qualifier on Tuesday night.

Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay netted a double in the famous win at Hampden Park, but opponent Rodri decided to focus on the negative side of Scotland’s game.

Scotland infuriate Spain star Rodri

Contents

1 Scotland infuriate Spain star Rodri
- 1.1 Steve Clarke oversees memorable win
  - 1.1.1 Scotland boss staying calm

Rodri and his Spain teammates were undoubtedly frustrated at the loss, with the midfielder very quick to criticise the tactics used by Steve Clarke and his players.

His Manchester rival McTominay was the star of the show, scoring either side of half-time to send Scotland to top spot in Group A of Euro 2024 qualifying.

“We did many good things to win,” Rodri said after the match, as quoted by BBC Sport. “We conceded easy goals – this is football, if you concede easy goals you are penalised.

“It’s the way they play, but for me it’s rubbish, always wasting time, provoking you, always they fall. For me, this is not football. The referee has to take on this, but he says nothing.

“We will learn for the next time. We want to go for duels, for battles – we always fight, but this is not about fighting. It’s about wasting time – four, five players on the floor, but this depends on the referee, not on us.”

Steve Clarke oversees memorable win

The home support were in full voice at Hampden Park, but not many were predicting to be in for such a thrilling night, perhaps not even the most optimistic.

The hosts went into the game full of confidence after defeating Cyprus 3-0 in their opening match, but were expecting a near-impossible task against a hugely talented Spain side.

The visitors also went into the game on the back of a 3-0 win, defeating Norway in their opening group match. But it is Scotland who have now edged slightly closer to the Euro 2024 finals in Germany.

Tuesday’s victory will go down in Scottish football folklore, with the nation rarely witnessing such shocks in their recent history.

Scotland

Scotland boss staying calm

Clarke refused to get carried away with the huge victory, instead analysing the hard-fought display from his players, who will now return to their respective clubs.

The match signalled the end of the current international break for Scotland, who return to the international scene in the summer. Their next two matches in Group A are away to Norway and home to Georgia on 17 and 20 June respectively.

Scotland may not have enjoyed the most possession in the win against Spain, but their persistence and composure in front of goal was enough to pull off the major upset, much to Clarke’s delight.

“Delighted with the performance,” said Clarke. “I thought the players were outstanding from first minute to last. “The dynamic, enthusiasm and quality of the team didn’t change. It’s a big night, it feels like a step forward, but it’s only six points and you don’t qualify with six points.”