The visiting captain was not happy but Steve Clarke’s side did not need to resort to the dark arts to beat a fading superpower
. Rodri bemoaned provocation from the bully boys in navy blue. Scotland wasted time, he said. “For me, this is not football.” These were the sourest of grapes, not at all befitting the captain of a respected international side.
Scotland fans who paused wild celebration of a first win over Spain since Chaka Khan topped the UK charts with I Feel For You to note Rodri’s comments could only spurt with laughter. Angels were not dressed in red. It was the visiting team who routinely embellished fouls, pursued the officials and, in one sensational act involving Joselu, battered the turf in the style of an irate toddler.
Scotland’s was a showing personified by calmness and composure. Scott McTominay’s poise in midfield was a joy. Callum McGregor’s skill and burst of pace in the dying seconds, in trying to create a third goal, epitomised the Scottish mindset. There was aggression channelled the correct way, such as when Kieran Tierney left Dani Carvajal gasping for air immediately before McTominay’s second goal. Spain had nobody with the constant surge of John McGinn.
Yes, Spain enjoyed the bulk of possession but they failed to place Angus Gunn in the Scotland goal under serious pressure. The Spain defence and their own keeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga, frequently looked panic-stricken. And this, when faced with the Queens Park Rangers forward Lyndon Dykes. In support of Dykes was Ryan Christie, who has been unable to command a regular start at Bournemouth.
De la Fuente emphasised the carrying out of training drills and “the future”. Spain started with Joselu, aged 33 and essentially a journeyman, winning cap No 2 at centre-forward. If De la Fuente genuinely believes the “concepts” utilised against Scotland – neither efficient nor effective – can reap rewards then Spain’s downward spiral at international level may well continue.
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