Sports

Dutch, Argentine duel stokes memories of 1978 final

Staff Correspondent
Argentinian midfielder Mario Kempes (L), who just scored his second goal, and forward Daniel Bertoni celebrate in front of Dutch defenders Wim Suurbier (on ground) and Jan Poortvliet, 25 June 1978 in Buenos Aires, during the extra time period of the World Cup soccer final. Kempes gave Argentina a 2-1 lead and Bertoni later scored a third goal to give Argentina its first-ever title with a 3-1 victory over the Netherlands. AFP
Argentinian midfielder Mario Kempes (L), who just scored his second goal, and forward Daniel Bertoni celebrate in front of Dutch defenders Wim Suurbier (on ground) and Jan Poortvliet, 25 June 1978 in Buenos Aires, during the extra time period of the World Cup soccer final. Kempes gave Argentina a 2-1 lead and Bertoni later scored a third goal to give Argentina its first-ever title with a 3-1 victory over the Netherlands. AFP

Argentina and the Netherlands prepare to meet again on South American soil in Wednesday's second semi-final, 36 years on from their encounter in the final of the 1978 tournament in Buenos Aires.

In a country under the grip of a brutal military dictatorship the hosts beat the Dutch 3-1 in the hostile environment of Monumental Stadium.

Minus Johan Cruyff the Dutch squad was much the same as the side that lost the final four years earlier to West Germany.

Mario Kempes put Argentina ahead, but substitute Dick Nanninga equalised and Rob Rensenbrink then hit the post in the dying seconds for the Dutch.

Argentina took full advantage as tournament top scorer Kempes netted again before Daniel Bertoni added another in extra time.

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