Argentina 1978
The FIFA World Cup came to Argentina for the first time in history. Cesar Luis Menotti, who decided to leave 17-year old Diego Maradona out of the Albiceleste squad, played an attacking free-flowing style of football with the diminutive Osvaldo Ardilies pulling the strings. Africa got its first win in the World Cup as Tunisia beat Mexico 3-1. Scotland surprised eventual finalist Netherlands with a 3-2 win courtesy Archie Gemmill’s wonder finish following a meandering run past three Dutch defenders. It was a World Cup of bloopers; in a match between Sweden and Brazil referee Clive Thomas blew the full time whistle moments before Zico scored the decisive header, to end the game 1-1. Argentina edged past rivals Brazil in the second group over a better goal difference. Knowing they needed 4 goals against Peru, the hosts scored 6 to enter the final. They met Netherlands, who beat Italy through a memorable Arie-Haan scorcher. The final was played at the Estadio Monumental. The star of the tournament Mario Kempes scored the first goal which was equalised by Dutchman Dirk Nanninga. The match went into extra-time and Kempes and Daniel Bernoti scored goals to seize victory and send the home crowd into frenzy. Daniel Passarella became the first Argentinean captain to lift the World Cup.
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Winners: Argentina
Runners -Up: Netherlands
Golden Boot: Mario Kempes (Arg)