1978 FIFA World Cup Final

Argentina's first World Cup victory, decided in extra time.

The final match of the 1978 FIFA World Cup, the eleventh edition of FIFA's football compilation for men's national teams, was played at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on 25 June 1978, and was contested by Argentina and the Netherlands.

Quick Facts

Netherlands captain: Ruud Krol
Netherlands finish: Runners-up (second World Cup final ever reached)

Lore & Background

Mario Kempes, who finished as the tournament's top scorer, was named the man of the match. The Netherlands team lost their second consecutive World Cup final, both times to the host nation, after losing to West Germany in 1974.

Reader's Guide

The final took place on 25 June 1978 at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires in front of 71,483 supporters, and was refereed by Sergio Gonella from Italy. Argentina took the lead in the 38th minute through Mario Kempes. In the 81st minute, Dick Nanninga equalized for the Netherlands. In the final second of regular time, Rob Rensenbrink's shot struck the crossbar, and the match went into extra time.