World Cup: Down Memory Lane 1978 — Argentina
Posted on: May 14, 2002
World Cup: Down memory lane 1978 — Argentina
Despite a threatened boycott by several nations in protest at the Videla military regime, all the qualifiers assembled in Argentina for the 1978 finals. The same format as 1974 was adopted – two group phases and no knockout stages – and controversy surrounded Argentina’s passage into the final.
The Argentines, for which the long-haired Mario Kempes was a revelation up front, romped to a highly dubious 6-0 win over Peru in its final match of the second phase to oust Brazilian goal difference.
Holder West Germany failed to beat Holland and Italy and was eliminated when Berti Vogts’ own goal gave Austria a 3-2victory. Holland thrashed the Austrians 5-1 to reach the final for the second successive year, but, crucially, it was without its master Johan Cruyff, who had stayed at home.
Once again the Dutch were beaten, to delight of the77,260 crowd in Buenos Aires. Argentina took the lead through Kempes after 37 minutes before subsitute Dirk Nanninga equalised late on.
In extra time, Kempes restored Argentina’s lead and Daniel Bertoni made it 3-1, leaving captain Daniel Passarela to lift Argentina’s first World Cup.
Legends:
Mario Kempes, Argentina (born 1954): The Valencia striker was the only overseas-based player to be chosen by Argentine coach Cesar Luis Menotti. Flowing locks and a dashing, long-legged style marked him out on the pitch, together with his eye for goal and ability to rise to the big occasion.
Known as a free-kick specialist, but it was his ability to pierce defences with the ball at his feet that did most to lead Argentina to glory on home soil in 1978.
Scored twice in the 3-1 win against Holland in the final. His second effort was typical, surging past three defenders to beat the goalkeeper. Kempes then went on another mazy run to set up the third for teammate Daniel Bertoni.
His six goals made him the top scorer in the tournament, and he went on to register 20 goals in 43 international appearances.
Ossie Ardiles, Argentina (born 1952): Gutsy little midfield playmaker whose intelligent passing and ball skills were crucial to Argentina’s success. Won 42 caps for his country and was a roaring success as a player with Tottenham Hotspurs together with international teammate Ricky Villa.
Made 238 league appearances for Spurs, helping them to FA Cup and UEFA Cup wins in a team that included current England coach Glenn Hoddle.
Had a spell with Paris Saint-Germain in 1982-83 following the Falklands War. Enjoyed little success as a manager, with unsuccessful spells in the early 1990s at Newcastle, West Bromwich Albion and Spurs, where a cavalier attitude towards attack saw his team gifting goals from all angles.
Ruud Krol, Netherlands (born 1949): A fleet-footed full-back in Holland’s 1974 side, he graduated to captain four years later in Argentina in a more withdrawn sweeper role.
Like so many Dutch stars, he learned his craft and the philosophy of total football with Ajax, his transition into the national squad a natural progression.
Imposing physically, he mopped up many an imposing attack before turning defence into attack in an instant with a measured pass or a dash forward.
In the 1978 final against Argentina, he so nearly inspired the Dutch to the title that their wonderful football deserved. In the dying seconds of normal time, with the score at 1-1, Krol played Rob Rensenbrink clean through on goal.
Rensenbrink hit the post, and Holland’s chance had gone. Won 83 international caps.
Top scorers: Mario Kempes (Arg) 6; Teofilo Cubillas (Per) 5; Robbie Rensenbrink (Hol) 5; Leopoldo Luque (Arg) 4; Hans Krankl (Aut) 4.
Trivia:
— Holland was without the star of the 1974 final, Johan Cruyff, who refused to travel to Argentina fearing security reasons following the 1976 military coup.
— Scotland had enjoyed a very successful tour of South America the year before, and according to manager Ally MacLeod, was capable of beating the world. Once again it was Britain’s only representative.
— Two countries were making their debuts in the finals – Iran and Tunisia.
— For the fourth consecutive tournament, the opening match ended in a 0-0 draw when Argentina met Hungary in Group one in Buenos Aires. The match was marred when two Hungarians, AndrasTorocsik and Tibor Nyilasi were sent off.
— In another Group one match Italy beat France 2-1. Bernard Lacombe of France recorded the second fastest World Cup goal when he scored after 36 seconds.
— France beat Hungary 3-1, but only after the referee had threatened to make it forfeit the match for not wearing the correct kit. Police fetched the kit of the local second division side and, they had to wear it.
— In Group Two Tunisia became the first African country to record a World Cup finals victory when it beat Mexico 3-1 after being 0-1 down.
— Scotland suffered a shock in its first game, losing 3-1 to outsiders Peru. After the game a dope test on winger Willie Johnston proved positive and Scotland sent him home in disgrace.
— Welsh referee Clive Thomas became notorious after controversially blowing for full-time just as Brazil’s Zico headed in a goal direct from a corner against Sweden. Thomas, who had awarded the corner, disallowed the goal and the match finished 1-1.
— Argentina became the third host nation in four World Cup finals to win the trophy.
The winning squad: Goalkeepers: Hector Baley, Ubaldo Matildo Fillol, RicardoLavolpe. Defenders: Luis Galvan, Daniel Killer, Jorge Olguin, Ruben Pagnanini, Daniel Passarella (capt), Alberto Tarantini. Midfielders: Norberto Alonso, Ossie Ardiles, Americo Gallego, Ruben Galvan, Omaro Larrosa, Daniel Valencia. Forwards: Daniel Bertoni, Rene Houseman, Mario Kempes, Lepoldo Luque, Oscar Ortiz. Coach: Cesar Luis Menotti.
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