Andy Robinson was disappointed by Scotland's lack of composure during the 9-6 defeat to Argentina at Murrayfield.
"In the first half I thought we played with good shape, good width, we asked a number of questions of them," said the new head coach.
"But, at the key times our accuracy wasn't there. I was pleased with the ambition we tried to play with but you've got to control the scoreboard.
"We didn't control the scoreboard and, therefore, we deserve what we get."
Following wins over Fiji and Australia, Scotland were on course for their first clean sweep of autumn international victories for seven years thanks to two Phil Godman penalties.
But the Pumas turned the game on its head after the break, taking full advantage of Nathan Hines' needless sin-binning to score two penalties and a late drop goal from Martin Rodriguez.
The biggest letdown was our inability to take our chances
Sean Lamont Scotland winger
"Second half, I thought the defining moment was the Nathan Hines sin bin," added Robinson, who cast doubt on the validity of the decision.
"We kicked the ball away in a three-on-one where Thom Evans was outside and all three players were saying 'kick', as opposed to 'move the ball'.
"They're the key defining moments in games.
"As soon as it went to 6-3, it became a scrappy affair.
"Argentina are very good in scrappy affairs and they get out and win the game."
Hines was yellow carded for a dangerous tackle on Pumas centre Gonzalo Tiesi, a verdict Robinson did not agree with.
"That's a hard one," he explained. "I thought it was a good tackle; he got across and made the tackle but, because he lifted his arms up, that's why he gave the sin bin."
Moments before Hines was sent to cool off, Scotland lost full-back Rory Lamont to an injury which saw him carried off on a stretcher.
"He's back in the dressing room, so he's walking," Robinson said before summing up his thoughts on a frustrating afternoon.
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