LONDON, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- Maxi Rodrigez scored after eight minutes to mark Diego Maradona's debut as Argentina head coach with a 1-0 victory at Scotland in a friendly on Wednesday. Back at Hampden Park where Maradona, an 18-year-old then, scored his first international goal in a 3-1 win over the Scots in1979, the controversial star made another winning start -- to his reign over the national team this time.

Argentina's soccer team head coach Diego Maradona smiles during their international friendly soccer match against Scotland at Hampden Park stadium in Glasgow, Scotland November 19, 2008

The football legend looked happy when the whistle announced his first victory in charge and hugged the entire team as they walked off the pitch to the spectators' ovation. Rodriguez gave the visitors the early lead at the end of a superb passing move involving Carlos Tevez and Jonas Gutierrez.

Scotland seemed overrun in the first 30 minutes and were unable to find a way past a resolute Argentina defence despite a better second half.

Argentina, fading after the break, also could not add to their advantage.

A chilly rain early on could not dampen local fans' enthusiasm to see their hero, whose "hand of God" goal helped eliminate England in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal, with banners proclaiming "Thank you for 86".

Argentina started dominating and captain Javier Mascherano tested goalkeeper Allan McGregor with a powerful swerving volley from 20 yards before Rodriguez opened the scoring.

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