Player ratings: Spain v Scotland

SPAIN

Victor Valdes

The back-up goalkeeper had a frustratingly quiet evening for much of the game, with little chance to state his case for replacing Iker Casillas on a regular basis. Then blotted his copybook with needlessly conceded penalty. 5/10

Sergio Ramos

Booked for an unnecessary foul on Naismith when playing at right-back in the first half, the Real Madrid defender moved to centre-back after the break to accommodate Arbeloa, looking equally comfortable in either position. 7

Carles Puyol

Not far off target with a glancing header in the first half, the Barcelona player worked conscientiously in defence throughout the first half. Gave way to Arbeloa for the second. 6

Gerard Pique

Expertly timed tackle denied Naismith a scoring chance midway through the first half. Was a spectator for much of the game as his midfield team-mates took control. 8

Jordi Alba

Valencia left-back enjoyed the ideal start to his debut, providing a perfect cutback for Silva to open the scoring. Was equally adept with his defensive duties, using his speed to good effect. 8

Sergio Busquets

One of the least notable Spanish players, he performed his defensive midfield duties unfussily, allowing his more creative colleagues to go forward with confidence. 7

Xavi

An unusually quiet evening from the unassuming midfield genius, whose role as creator-in-chief was largely usurped by Cazorla. 7

Santi Cazorla

Always a danger with his direct running either from the left flank or more centrally, the Malaga midfielder was the most influential player on the field. The only times he put a foot wrong were late on with the game well won. 9

Pedro

Played small but important role in build-up to Silva’s second on the verge of half-time. Proved his commitment to team with conscientious work in support of his defence, and remained a threat in attack right to the end 8

David Silva

The Manchester City player took his chance with supreme confidence to score the opening goal with a low first-time shot, and was even more impressive at the second, which he created and finished off. 9

David Villa

Might have scored with a snapshot five minutes before half-time; did score not long after the restart with a

gleefully clinical strike following good work by Silva. 8

SUBSTITUTES Alvaro Arbeloa

Played second half in place of Puyol.

Thiago Alcantara

On for Silva just after third goal.

Fernando Llorente

Striker replaced Xavi with the game well won by the home team.

SCOTLAND

Allan McGregor

Partially unsighted for first goal, the Rangers keeper produced an outstanding finger-tip save to deny Cazorla just before half-time, but was powerless to prevent Silva’s second moments later. No chance with third either. 7/10

Alan Hutton

Often stretched at the back by Spain’s sudden changes of pace and direction, the Spurs full-back stuck to his task well and had the energy to get forward at times. 6

Gary Caldwell

Caught flat-footed at times by the brilliance of Spain’s approach work, Berra’s partner in the heart of the Scotland defence had to concentrate every second to avoid being turned inside out. 5

Christophe Berra

Another Scot who was stretched to the limit at times, the centre-half was more confident in his reading of Spain’s intentions as the game went on. Promising header from corner threatened to lay on a second for Scotland. 6

Phil Bardsley

Had to work hard to provide assistance to his centre-halves as well as performing his own duties at left-back. 7

Darren Fletcher

Just off target with a left-foot half-volley in the first half, the captain did all he could to spark a second-half fightback. 7

Barry Bannan

The Aston Villa midfielder failed to track back properly in build-up to Spain’s opener, but fared better going forward, laying on a promising early chance for Naismith. 6

James Morrison

Got the better of Pique with a twisting first-half run down the left but was let down by ball into the box. Lax moment in possession allowed Villa a chance. 6

Charlie Adam

A good mix of the creative and auxiliary defensive work from the Liverpool playmaker, who had given his all by the

time he was substituted. 6

Steven Naismith

Off target with a diving effort shortly after Spain’s opener, the Rangers player was let down on several occasions by a poor first touch. Best moment was the first-half chance he laid on for Fletcher: worst was the second-half

chance he inadvertently laid on for Spain. 6

Craig Mackail-Smith

Lone striker had the ominous figure of Puyol for company in the first half, and worked hard in search of an opening. A promising outing in difficult circumstances. 7

SUBSTITUTES

David Goodwille

Took Bannan’s place with his team 3-0 down and within minutes scored with an audaciously confident penalty. Wastefully selfish later when Mackail-Smith had more chance of scoring.

James Forrest

Replaced Adam at the same time as Goodwillie came on.

Don Cowie

Cardiff midfielder replaced Darren Fletcher at the end.