Glasgow - The expectation surrounding Diego Maradona's debut as head coach of Argentina, in a friendly away against Scotland Wednesday, is not catching on among fans.

On Tuesday, the organizers of the game in Glasgow reduced the price of tickets, for fear of showing a half-empty Hampden Park but also to avoid a financial disaster.

Although organizers said in recent days that they had requests for some 250,000 tickets, only 27,500 - half the stadium - had been sold by Tuesday.

Scottish Football Association (SFA) boss Gordon Smith said the organization could actually lose money by hosting Argentina.

"We need around 35,000 at least to break even. There's always a danger of losing money when you bring an opponent to Scotland," Smith told the daily The Scottish Sun.

The SFA reportedly paid 800,000 pounds (1.2 million dollars) to host the winner of two World Cups.

Tickets will now go for 18 pounds (28 dollars) and up.

Such lack of interest among fans, however, is not matched by the attitute of media around the world.

Over 150 countries were said to be broadcasting footage of the game, and sports TV rights firm Kentaro, who market Argentinas friendlies, is expecting "phenomenal viewing figures." (dpa)