“This is not football”: Manchester City star Rodri criticizes Scottland’s ‘rubbish’ tactics after shocking 2-0 defeat

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has criticized Scotland’s tactics as ‘rubbish’ as his side Spain lost 2-0 to them in the Euro Qualifiers 2024.

Scott McTominay scored twice, his second brace in three days, as Scotland won their first game against Spain since 1984, giving them six points out of six to begin their Euro 2024 qualification quest.

Both sets of players were eager to go to ground at every chance, with Scotland doing anything they could in the second half to wear play down and pass away the seconds.

Several clashes occurred throughout the game, with one between Andy Robertson and Pedro Porro resulting in the latter player being whistled at every touch. He was then substituted at half-time.

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This was only Spain’s third defeat in a qualifying match since 2006, and their first defeat in European qualification in nine years, but they remain strong favorites to win Group A and secure a spot in Germany next summer.

After Spain suffered the surprise loss at Hampden Park, Rodri had some words for his opponent’s tactics. He talked about how Scotland wasted time.

Rodri spoke via Viaplay, “It’s the way they play – for me, it’s a bit rubbish. It’s always wasting time, they provoke you, and they always fall. For me, this is not football.”

🇪🇸 Spain's Rodri gives his verdict on his side's loss to Scotland

"It's the way they play…for me it's a bit rubbish. Because it's always wasting time. They provoke you. They always fall. For me, this is not football." 🗣️👀#EURO2024 | #SCOESP pic.twitter.com/MIgxOOA2Cl

— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) March 28, 2023

He even blamed the referee, “The referee has to take a part in this, but he said nothing. It’s a bit frustrating because we want to win and it’s difficult because they waste time, waste time.”

He then promised to come back for revenge, “It is what it is. They have their weapons, we have our weapons, and we will learn for next time.”

Scotland’s manager, Steve Clarke, thinks his team has left their imprint on their Euro 2024 qualification group, but warns against thinking too far ahead. He said in the post game interview, “All the credit goes to the players. We had 16 players on the pitch and none of them let us down. The seven players in the stand were every bit as happy as everyone else was. But it’s very important we stay grounded because there’s still a long way to go in the group.”

The Scots lead Group A with six points from six games. The historic win over Spain was aided further by a 1-1 stalemate earlier in the day between Norway and Georgia, June’s opponents.

It was Spain’s first loss under new manager Luis de la Fuente who took over after the sacking of Luis Enrique after the World Cup.

Spain and Scotland will again meet in the second matchup of the Euro Qualifiers 2024 on October 13th.