Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Javier thrilled to take the lead
JAVIER MASCHERANO has described captaining Argentina to victory in their first match under the guidance of Diego Maradona as an "amazing" experience.
Liverpool midfielder Mascherano helped his country to a 1-0 win against Scotland at Hampden Park as the new era under Maradona started smoothly. Mascherano had already forced Allan McGregor into a diving save from a 25-yard volley when Argentina took the lead in the eighth minute through Maxi Rodriguez.
Argentina failed to maintain their electric start and Scotland created some half-chances, but the visitors were well worthy of their win.
It was an emotional night for Mascherano, who wore the armband for the first time since Maradona visited him at Liverpool's training ground to ask him to take the role.
Mascherano said of Maradona's offer: "I couldn't believe it was true.
"I'm very happy with my first game. It was a new experience and I'm really happy with the win.
"It was an amazing experience. I'm not just thinking about being captain, I'm thinking about the team." Each player was greeted with a hug from Maradona as they left the pitch and Mascherano said: "We need to improve, but it's a good start to the new era.
"We will try to continue to improve and see what happens." While Mascherano is revelling in his role as national team captain, he admits the same honour at club level is "impossible" given the esteem in which Anfield skipper Steven Gerrard and his fellow Liverpudlian Jamie Carragher are held.
"We have Stevie and Carra, " he said. "I just want to play for Liverpool and try to do as well as possible."