1978 World Cup Argentina Review
Argentina Claim First World Title, Netherlands Lose In Final Again
Jun 30, 2009
With their home fans behind them, Argentina were atop the world after capturing their first World Cup crown thanks to a 3-1 victory in extra time over the Netherlands. The Dutch were downed in the final for the second consecutive tournament.
Military Regime, Quarter-Finalists Into Groups
The 1978 tournament proved controversial in that it took place under the watchful eye of Argentinean leader General Jorge Videla's military regime. Newcomers Tunisia beat Mexico 3-1 for the first World Cup victory for an African team while debutants Iran grabbed a point from Scotland. And just like 1974, the quarter-finalists were split into two groups with the group winners reaching the final. The tournament ran from June 1-25, 1978.
Italy Beat Argentina To Top Group 1, Europeans Head Home Early
Argentina and Italy both beat France and Hungary to set up the decisive showdown for first place and Roberto Bettega's score in the 67th gave Italy a 1-0 victory in Buenos Aires. Despite having 21-year-old Michel Platini, France were one of five European sides to leave after the first round along with Hungary, Spain, Sweden and Scotland.
Netherlands Advance On Goal Difference
Scotland got two goals from Archie Gemmill in beating the Netherlands 3-2 in the first round but it was not enough as the Dutch advanced to the second round on goal difference behind Group 4 winners Peru. Brazil squeezed past Spain in Group 3 thanks to a 1-0 win on Roberto Dinamite's goal over group winners Austria. And holders West Germany finished second in Group 2 behind Poland.
Kempes Braces Help Argentina Into Final
Mario Kempes scored twice as Argentina opened Group B play with a 2-0 win over Poland. Argentina and Brazil would play to a scoreless draw in the second game and Brazil's final group match ended with a 3-1 victory for the Brazilians over Poland. The Argentineans would play their final group match later and knew they needed to beat Peru by four goals and Kempes and Leopoldo Luque both scored twice in a 6-0 victory. The occurrences of that night in Argentina secured that all final group matches in the future would be played at the same time.
Netherlands Knock Off Italy To Reach Final
The Netherlands and their Austrian coach Ernst Happel eased past Austria in the first Group A match 5-1 with Jonny Rep scoring twice. Rene Van De Kerkhof scored late to secure a 2-2 draw against West Germany and set up a decider against Italy. Holland's Ernie Brandts equalized his own goal early in the second half and Arie Haan scored the winner with 15 minutes left for a 2-1 victory, sending the Netherlands back into the final after losing in 1974 to West Germany.
Austria Finally Beat Germany Again
With West Germany still holding minor hopes of reaching the final, Hans Krankl scored two goals as Austria beat their neighbors to the north for the first time in 47 years.
Brazil Take Third Place
Nelinho and Dirceu scored in the second half as Brazil came back for a 2-1 victory over Italy to take third place
Kempes Scores Twice For Argentina Glory
In the final at Buenos Aires's Estadio Monumental, Kempes - Argentina's only foreign-based player - opened the scoring after 38 minutes but Dick Nanninga headed home the equalizer with eight minutes left. Netherlands nearly won the game in regular time but Rob Rensenbrink struck only the post in the final seconds. Golden Shoe winner Kempes tallied his sixth goal of the tournament in the 105th minute and Daniel Bertoni finished off the game with his strike in the 115th for a 3-1 victory.
