Scotland vs Spain: When his side lost at Hampden in the Euro 2024 qualifiers, Spanish captain Rodri criticized Scotland’s “rubbish” style of football. As Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay scored twice to give Scotland a 2-0 win and their first victory against Spain in 39 years, a Manchester City player accused Scotland of time-wasting and provocation.

Until losing to Slovakia 2-1 in qualification for the 2016 European Championship in France, Spain had not been defeated in qualifying for the tournament since 2014.

Although having won 34 of their previous 38 European qualifying matches with just three draws, they were jittery at Hampden Park. Rodri captained a team that saw eight changes from their last game. He had harsh words for Scotland’s approach to the game.

Scotland vs Spain: Rodri speaks out against Scotland’s tactics against Spain

“We did many good things to win,” he said on Viaplay. 

He added: “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, or five players on the floor, but this depends on the referee, not on us. Today we did many good things, but what’s important is the goal, and we didn’t score.”

David Garcia, who had his debut, also pinned the loss on Hampden’s expansive playing surface.

There has been much hype around Scotland’s win against Spain, as it has been touted as the country’s greatest triumph since their 2007 victory over France at the Stade de France. James McFadden, the game-winning player, agreed that Rodri’s statements were in terrible taste and that Spain was just as guilty as Scotland of the things the City midfielder had accused them of doing. 

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How did the Spanish media react?

Predictably, the loss in Spain sparked a wave of anger. When Rodri and his teammates tried to change the subject, publications throughout the nation began attacking their squad. This was just Scotland’s third competitive victory over Spain. But it was their first since November 1984 (3-1 in a World Cup qualifier) (1957, 1984 and 2023).

For the first time since September 2006–October 2007—during the tenures of Walter Smith and Alex McLeish—Scotland has won five consecutive home matches.

After winning 17 of their previous 19 Euro qualifying matches (D2) and never losing more than once in a game throughout this run, Spain just experienced their first loss in a Euro qualifying match since October 2014 (1-2 against Slovakia).

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TWITTER REACTS:

Rodri and his cries always 😂😂 https://t.co/DdLX5qWmga

— Sam (@nahurir) March 29, 2023

As opposed to Spanish football and La Liga? 😂 La Liga has become unwatchable in the last 5 years with all the diving, play-acting and surrounding the referee for every single foul. https://t.co/o5xBsWZB3q

— Mark Lenehan (@MarkLenehan) March 29, 2023

Spanish player complaining over time wasting is so brain dead https://t.co/Hz1qHCxQ6u

— Red🎒 (@hueylemao) March 29, 2023

Haven't laughed so hard in weeks. https://t.co/Sjk4j9Hy1G

— Christopher McCallum (@Caledonite) March 29, 2023

Spain whines a lot when they lose. You should just sit back and let us do 800 passes and beat you. Lol. https://t.co/HaFkGimEaQ

— Facts Machine (@I_AM_LEE) March 29, 2023

Coming from the guy who clearly tried to injure Ødegaard 3 days ago……. https://t.co/cSKsCjWjcr

— Ben (@B_TheJet_A) March 29, 2023

A Spaniard callin' out Scotland's flopping……..

We've reached the gates of Hilariousville. https://t.co/USMTooC28J

— Taylor Amarante (@TjAmarante) March 29, 2023

Did he forget that he played for Atletico…? https://t.co/xUDYYlBD1T pic.twitter.com/0ZrvTp5uLz

— Райан Макграт (@McGrathLegend) March 29, 2023

Sounds just how Spanish people play football. https://t.co/lEBeQav5YI

— Brenin Draugur (@BDraugur) March 29, 2023

https://twitter.com/BiryaniMafiaDB/status/1641081722749198336?s=20

This is someone that use to play for Atlantico Madrid 😂😂 https://t.co/GBB21ehEST

— Stino (@son_of_agaku) March 29, 2023