After years of being denied internet hosting rights and subsequent boycotts of the event, Argentina was lastly chosen to host a World Cup.
Host: Argentina
Groups: 16
Format: Group stage, second spherical, third-place playoff, remaining
Matches: 38
Targets: 102
Winner: Argentina
Runners-up: Netherlands
Golden boot: Mario Kempes (Argentina)
Background
After years of being denied internet hosting rights and subsequent boycotts of the event, Argentina was lastly chosen to host a World Cup.
The event brand was primarily based on former President Juan Peron’s well-known hand gesture, which the army management sought to vary however determined in opposition to that when confronted with repercussions of criticism and lawsuits.
It could not be the one criticism linked to the host nation’s management, as they had been accused of interfering within the matches and making certain beneficial outcomes and circumstances for the house crew.
Among the largest groups, together with Belgium, England and Uruguay, did not qualify for the primary spherical. Iran and Tunisia certified for the primary time.
Netherlands legend Johan Cruyff was a part of his crew’s qualification course of however refused to participate within the event after a kidnapping try on his household in Barcelona.
West Germany performed with out the star of the 1974 win, Gerd Muller.
The Netherlands made their second consecutive World Cup remaining, solely to lose to the hosts once more.
Argentina star Mario Kempes’s first-half objective appeared sufficient for the hosts till the 82nd minute when Dick Nanninga equalised and despatched the ultimate into further time.
Kempes scored once more in further time, and Daniel Beroni’s strike 5 minutes from time sealed Argentina’s first World Cup crown and set off wild celebrations within the crowd and on the pitch.
A distraught Dutch crew refused to participate within the post-match ceremony.
Highs
Argentina placed on a show of attacking soccer, instilled by their coach Cesar Luis Menotti.
Iran and Tunisia performed of their first World Cup.
Lows
The event was marred by controversy surrounding Argentina’s army management and their alleged involvement in figuring out the result of the matches.
Violent clashes within the recreation between Argentina and Brazil.
Dropping finalists the Netherlands boycotted the post-match ceremony citing unfair play.
