Rodri furiously slams “rubbish” Scotland tactics after Spain suffer humiliating defeat

Spain captain Rodri was left furious by Scotland’s time-wasting tactics as La Roja fell to their first defeat to the Tartan Army since 1984 in a setback to their hopes of reaching Euro 2024

Rodri has taken aim at Scotland for their tactics against Spain (

Image: Viaplay)

Spain captain Rodri has slammed Scotland for their “rubbish” tactics after La Roja fell to a humiliating defeat at Hampden Park.

Scotland claimed a stunning win over their highly-fancied opponents to continue their perfect start to Euro 2024 qualifying. Manchester United star Scott McTominay scored twice to secure all three points for Steve Clarke’s side, who are now above Luis de la Fuente’s men in Group A.

It was Scotland’s first victory over Spain since 1984, though Tuesday’s game was ill-tempered throughout. Though only four players were booked combined, Scotland employed the full range of time-wasting tactics as they looked to hang on to their famous win.

Those tactics worked well, with the Spanish side growing increasingly frustrated as time ticked down in the second-half. The defeat was Spain’s first in European Championship qualifying for nine years.

They still remain favourites to progress to the tournament in Germany next summer. But Tuesday’s loss was a major setback, with Rodri left fuming at the tactics Scotland employed to secure their win.

“It’s the way they play – for me it’s a bit rubbish. It’s always wasting time, they provoke you, they always fall. For me, this is not football,” the Manchester City midfielder told Viaplay.

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Scott McTominay scored twice to seal a stunning win for Scotland

“The referee has to take a part in this but he said nothing. It’s a bit frustrating because we want to win and it’s difficult because they waste time, waste time. It is what it is. They have their weapons, we have our weapons, and we will learn for next time.”

Rodri played all 90 minutes for La Roja, who enjoyed 75 per cent of the possession in the defeat. And despite being left frustrated at Scotland’s tactics, Rodri conceded that Spain will have to improve their performances in the next international break.

“They played a good game, the grass is no excuse, they have their conditions. The first goal has conditioned us a lot. They they played with five behind, tightly closed. We had options, but the ball didn’t go in,” he added.

“It is clear that the two that they have had have put them in. We have tried, two posts, one from a very clear set piece. We must polish those oversights, those errors that are expensive.

“The feeling is that it is one of those days that it you’re doing well, but it doesn’t quite come in. There are no doubts at all, we don’t want to start with that please. Many things have been done well.

“The score counts, we have to improve those forgetfulness, specific errors that have penalized us. This is a collective effort.”