Friday, November 28, 2008
AP – Argentina's coach Diego Maradona, laughs ahead of the international friendly soccer match between Scotland … GLASGOW, Scotland – Diego Maradona made his debut as Argentina's coach Wednesday, his team beating Scotland 1-0 in an exhibition game in the stadium where he scored the first goal of his extraordinary international career.
Maxi Rodriguez scored in the eighth minute at Hampden Park for an Argentine team that showed only flashes of the skill that brought Maradona such fame.
Maradona, who led Argentina to the World Cup title in 1986, made a mostly quiet coaching debut. There was little of the frantic gesticulating and wild cheerleading that characterized his time as a fan of the national team.
Aside from Maxi's goal, there was little evidence of the entertaining performance Maradona promised Scottish fans for their warm welcome. The midfielder's low shot past goalkeeper Allan McGregor completed a slick move and gave a hint of the passing game that could evolve under Maradona.
