World Cup 1978: Army interference, violent clashes and a boycott

After years of being denied internet hosting rights and subsequent boycotts of the event, Argentina was lastly chosen to host a World Cup.

Argentina placed on a show of attacking soccer, instilled by their coach Cesar Luis Menotti [Carlo Fumagalli/AP Photo]

Host: Argentina
Groups: 16
Format: Group stage, second spherical, third-place playoff, closing
Matches: 38
Objectives: 102
Winner: Argentina
Runners-up: Netherlands
Golden boot: Mario Kempes (Argentina)

Background

After years of being denied internet hosting rights and subsequent boycotts of the event, Argentina was lastly chosen to host a World Cup.

The event brand was based mostly on former President Juan Peron’s well-known hand gesture, which the navy management sought to vary however determined in opposition to that when confronted with repercussions of criticism and lawsuits.

It might not be the one criticism linked to the host nation’s management, as they have been accused of interfering within the matches and guaranteeing beneficial outcomes and situations for the house workforce.

A number of the largest groups, together with Belgium, England and Uruguay, didn't qualify for the primary spherical. Iran and Tunisia certified for the primary time.

Netherlands legend Johan Cruyff was a part of his workforce’s qualification course of however refused to participate within the event after a kidnapping try on his household in Barcelona.

West Germany performed with out the star of the 1974 win, Gerd Muller.

The Netherlands made their second consecutive World Cup closing, solely to lose to the hosts once more.

Argentina star Mario Kempes’s first-half purpose appeared sufficient for the hosts till the 82nd minute when Dick Nanninga equalised and despatched the ultimate into further time.

Kempes scored once more in further time, and Daniel Beroni’s strike 5 minutes from time sealed Argentina’s first World Cup crown and set off wild celebrations within the crowd and on the pitch.

A distraught Dutch workforce refused to participate within the post-match ceremony.

Highs

Argentina placed on a show of attacking soccer, instilled by their coach Cesar Luis Menotti.

Iran and Tunisia performed of their first World Cup.

Lows

The event was marred by controversy surrounding Argentina’s navy management and their alleged involvement in figuring out the result of the matches.

Violent clashes within the sport between Argentina and Brazil.

Shedding finalists the Netherlands boycotted the post-match ceremony citing unfair play.