Maradona wins debut as coach of Argentina

Nov 19, 2008 - 10:52 PM By PA SportsTicker

Diego Maradona's reign as Argentina manager began with a 1-0 victory over Scotland in an international friendly Wednesday night in Glasgow, Scotland.

Maxi Rodriguez's eighth-minute goal was enough to seal a deserved 1-0 victory for Argentina and Maradona, who was named the team's coach on November 4.

Argentina captain Javier Mascherano said he and his teammates were inspired by the sight of Maradona on the bench.

Maradona, 48, led Argentina to the World Cup championship in 1986.

"I think it's a new era. It was very important to win," Mascherano told Sky Sports 1. "I think we played well in the first half. The second half, we needed to fight. We fought, so we are really happy. It's a good start; we are very proud.

"You see Maradona on the bench coaching, it's fantastic for us."

Although he remains a national hero for his exploits on the pitch, Maradona has received scrutiny for his appointment to the coaching position.

A five-time South American Footballer of the Year, Maradona is relatively inexperienced as a coach and has battled numerous problems with drug abuse and obesity in recent years.

That did not matter to his players Wednesday.

"Being the first game, I think it was a good game for his first game in charge," said Man of the match Carlos Tevez.

In other international friendlies Wednesday, Marcelo Lippi equalled the world record for games unbeaten as a national team manager (31) as Italy was held to a 1-1 draw with Greece.

Lippi, who rejoined the Azzurri after Euro 2008, tied the mark of former Spain coach Javier Clemente and ex-Argentina boss Alfio Basile.

England subjected Germany to a rare home defeat in Berlin as defenders Matthew Upson and John Terry scored in a 2-1 victory for Fabio Capello's side. Patrick Helmes netted the goal for Germany.

France failed to lift the pressure on boss Raymond Domenech and was held to a goalless draw by Uruguay.

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie scored twice in Holland's 3-1 victory over Sweden. Kim Kallstrom cut the deficit in half for the visitors but Dirk Kuyt scored in the 90th minute.