Scotland must do better if they are to reach the World Cup finals, according to new Argentina head coach Diego Maradona.
Maradona said his side were a class above the Scots as they claimed a 1-0 friendly win at Hampden on Wednesday night.
Maxi Rodriquez finished off a wonderful passing move in the eighth minute as the South Americans dominated the early stages.
Scotland recovered and created some half-chances, with James McFadden forcing a save after dispossessing Martin Demichelis in the box, the PA said.
But Argentina always looked like they could step up another gear and Maradona believes Scotland have some work to do to reach South Africa in 2010.
First place in their group already looks beyond them unless they can pull off a shock result in Amsterdam in their next qualifier in March.
But Scotland also face a battle to hold on to second place with Macedonia, Iceland and Norway all within a victory of their four-point total.
And George Burley's men need to start winning games if they are to ensure they do not finish as the worst runners-up and miss out on the play-offs.
Maradona, who inspired Argentina to success in 1986 and helped them reach the final four years later, believes they must step up their game.
"Scotland are a fine side, they have good players but we had a different level of skill," said Maradona, when asked if Scotland could reach the finals. "They have a chance but if they want to do that, then they will have to raise their game. It will be difficult."
While the former Barcelona and Napoli hero was slightly pessimistic about Scotland's chances, he was more positive about his short stay in Glasgow.
And he was delighted with his players' response to his first few days in their company.
"I would like to take the opportunity to say to the Scottish press that I have not had enough time here," he said. "I would like to come back and spend more time.
"I have to spend time lifting the morale of the squad. I have managed to do that.
"There were a lot of great performances and we can be hopeful of what lies ahead for us. I'm a very proud manager."
Source: Xinhua
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