1978 World Cup: legend Kempes seal Argentina win
Despite a threatened boycott over the host nation's military junta, all 16 qualifiers turned up for the 1978 finals which Argentina won on home territory.
The Argentines, for whom long-haired striker Mario Kempes was a revelation, romped to a 6-0 win over Peru in their final second-phase match to oust Brazil on goal difference, prompting cries of fixing from South American rivals.
Holders West Germany failed to beat the Netherlands or Italy and were eliminated when Berti Vogts' own goal gave Austria a 3-2 victory.
The Netherlands thrashed the Austrians 5-1 and reached the final for the second straight time, but, crucially, were without Johan Cruyff, who had stayed at home.
To the delight of a 71,483 crowd in Buenos Aires, Argentina took the lead through Kempes after 38 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 Passarella to lift Argentina's first World Cup.
1978 WORLD CUP LEGEND
Mario KEMPES
Argentina: b. 1954
The Valencia striker was the only overseas-based player to be chosen by Argentine coach Cesar Luis Menotti.
Flowing locks and a dashing style and marksmanship singled him out on the pitch.
Known as a free-kick specialist, but it was his ability to pierce defences with the ball that did most to lead Argentina to glory on home soil in 1978.
Scored twice in the 3-1 win against the Dutch 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 team-mate Daniel Bertoni.
His six goals made him top scorer in the tournament. Kempes went on register 20 goals in 43 international appearances.
1978 WORLD CUP TOP SCORERS
Mario Kempes (ARG) 6
Teofilo Cubillas (PER) 5
Rob Rensenbrink (NED) 5
Leopoldo Luque (ARG) 4
Hans Krankl (AUT) 4
1978 WORLD CUP TRIVIA
- Iran and Tunisa made their debuts at the finals, but did not get past their groups. Tunisia became the first African side to win a game at the finals by beating Mexico 3-1. Iran got a 1-1 draw with Scotland.
- Bernard Lacombe of France recorded the second-fastest World Cup goal when he scored after 36 seconds. His side lost 2-1 to Italy though in their group game.
- France beat Hungary 3-1, but only after the referee had threatened to make them forfeit the match for not wearing the right kit. Police fetched the kit of a local second-division side.
- Welsh referee Clive Thomas became notorious after controversially blowing for full-time time as Brazil's Zico headed in a goal direct from a corner against Sweden. The match finished 1-1.
1978 WORLD CUP CUP WINNING SQUAD
Argentina
Goalkeepers: Hector Baley, Ubaldo Matildo Fillol, Ricardo Lavolpe
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