Rodri got it wrong: self-assured Scotland taught graceless Spain a lesson

R odrigo Hernández has not learned his lesson. Shortly before the World Cup, the Manchester City midfielder confidently asserted that his nation, Spain, stood out as the strongest collective in the tournament. What happened next represents wounding history for the Spanish and Luis Enrique. Having scraped out of the group stage in Qatar, they were removed from the tournament by Morocco. Farewell to Luis Enrique and a red face for Rodri.

It was perfectly appropriate that Tuesday evening in Glasgow ended in fractious fashion for Spain. “Rubbish” was among the terms used by Rodri to describe Scotland’s approach during a 2-0 win. 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. True, Spain did not waste time but them’s the breaks when you are trailing to the 42nd-ranked team in the world. Spanish petulance was glaring from the first whistle, a scenario which audibly irked a passionate – and, in fairness, partisan – Hampden crowd. No neutral could have been impressed with Spain’s attitude either.

Rodri’s sentiment was arrogant and inaccurate. It at least infers the Spanish way, a brand of supposedly pure football, should be the only manner in which to perform. Rodri