Bigger tests ahead for Maradona

By Rex Gowar - Analysis

GLASGOW (Reuters) - Diego Maradona's crisis management appears to have worked well enough for Argentina to regain some pride and win their friendly against a committed if average Scotland.

Greater tests than Wednesday 1-0 win at Hampden Park await, however, and a long hiatus before Maradona gets his next chance to test himself as an international coach against France in February.

Invoking his pet theme of love for the Argentina colours, Maradona said: "We had a good match, knowing that we were in crisis. The players gave everything for the jersey.

"The click I wanted to see in the players, I got, which was to overcome the fear of losing. I think we did this wholeheartedly."

Argentina had won only once in eight matches and reached a low ebb in a comprehensive if meagre 1-0 loss to Chile last month that led to former coach Alfio Basile's resignation.

"We did everything we had planned before the match," Maradona told Wednesday's post-match news conference.

"There are players who were incredible in the team camp... who give their lives for the jersey.

"I want to assure Argentines that they will give their lives in each match, they will do anything so the team plays better every time."