1978 FIFA World Cup
Argentina's first World Cup triumph, marred by controversy.
The 1978 FIFA World Cup was the 11th edition of the FIFA World Cup, held in Argentina between 1 and 25 June. The tournament was won by the host nation, Argentina, who defeated the Netherlands 3–1 in the final after extra time. The final was held at River Plate's home stadium, Estadio Monumental, in Buenos Aires. This win was the first World Cup title for Argentina, who became the fifth team (after Uruguay, Italy, England, and West Germany) to be both hosts and world champions and the third South American team to win the World Cup. Argentina, the Netherlands, and Brazil were the gold, silver, and bronze medalists, respectively.
- Tournament Host
- Argentina
- Head Coach
- César Luis Menotti
- Top Scorer (Golden Boot)
- Mario Kempes (6 goals)
- Final Opponent
- Netherlands
- Final Score
- 3-1 (after extra time)
- Total Goals Scored by Argentina
- 23
Lore & Background
The tournament was marred by flagrant controversy, domestic politics, and alleged interference and match-fixing by the Argentine authoritarian military junta government. The logo was based on President Juan Perón's signature gesture, designed in 1974, two years prior to the military coup in 1976. The military tried to change the logo but failed because merchandise had already been made. The official match ball was the Adidas Tango Durlast. Argentina was chosen as host on 6 July 1966 in London. The monetary cost of preparing was put at $700 million.
In Their Own Story
The air inside the Monumental was thick with humidity and the roar of sixty thousand souls. The clock had bled past ninety minutes, and the Netherlands held a slender lead that felt like an insurmountable wall. Then, the ball found Mario Kempes in the box. A scramble, a deflection, and suddenly the net rippled. The stadium erupted into a cacophony of white and blue, a sound that seemed to shake the foundations of the city. As extra time dragged on, desperation turned to ecstasy when Daniel Bertoni struck the third goal, silencing the Dutch and sending Argentina into a frenzy of unbridled joy. In that moment, the weight of decades vanished, replaced by the pure, electric realization: they were kings of the world.
Reader's Guide
The format stayed the same as in 1974: 16 teams divided into four groups of four, with the top two advancing to two second-round groups of four. The winners of each second-round group played in the final, and the second-place finishers played for third place. In the first round, Poland won Group 2 ahead of West Germany. Peru pushed the Netherlands into second place in Group 4. Austria finished ahead of Brazil in Group 3. Italy topped Group 1 ahead of Argentina. In the second round, the Netherlands reached the final by beating Italy 2–1. Argentina and Brazil played a goalless draw in Group B. Argentina then faced Poland and Peru; the final was against the Netherlands.
Did You Know?
- Iran and Tunisia made their first appearances in the tournament.
- Tunisia's 3–1 win over Mexico was the first time an African team won a match at the World Cup finals.
- Rob Rensenbrink of the Netherlands scored the 1000th goal of World Cup history against Scotland.
- France wore the green-and-white striped jerseys of Club Atlético Kimberley after both France and Hungary arrived with only white change kits.
More in Trophies & Records
Elsewhere in the Argentina National Team universe
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