Berlin: Argentina had been trying for decades to host the World Cup, and finally succeeded in 1978. But the timing could hardly have been more unfortunate, as the bloody dictatorship of General Jorge Videla cast a huge shadow over a tournament plagued by controversy and at which the home country became the sixth to lift the trophy.

With the World championships traditionally alternating between Europe and Latin America, and having been held in Uruguay, Brazil, Chile and Mexico, it was Argentina's turn after being rejected on several occasions. This was so clear to everybody that the official decision was reached way back in 1966, and there were no other candidates.

Troubled times

The political situation in Argentina was far from ideal at the time, but it was truly critical 12 years later. The Videla dictatorship was at the centre of world attention, and this had a negative effect on all aspects of the event.

Just as Mussolini had done in Italy in 1934 (World Cup) and Hitler in Germany in 1936 (Berlin Olympics), Videla took advantage of a global sporting event to try to show himself to the world in a favourable light. He spent huge amounts of money and did not care about the consequences. The economic crisis deepened, and the unsolved killings of politicians, soldiers and diplomats continued.

It was the human rights violations that led to the greatest controversies. Numerous Governments urged their teams not to take part, and the tournament almost collapsed.

Cruyff's protest

In the end all the countries which had qualified attended, and the only protest came from Dutch star Johan Cruyff who put forward his retirement from internationals to avoid travelling to Argentina.

There were no political disputes during the qualifying stages, but several favourites did fall by the wayside. Among the most illustrious were England and Uruguay, two former World champions, and Czechoslovakia, the recently crowned European champion.

Amid growing tension and with many reporters focusing more on the military dictatorship than the tournament, the World Cup was held from June 1 to 25.

During the first phase Peru emerged the surprise pack, winning its group ahead of Holland, which had finished second in 1974, Scotland and Iran. Unfortunately the Peruvians fell apart in the second round.

Argentina and Brazil reached their final second-round matches tied on points, but Brazil had scored one goal more. The Brazilians played first, defeating Poland 3-1. The host now knew that it had to beat Peru at least 4-0 to advance. In fact, Argentina won 6-0, in an encounter, which many observers described as a ``betrayal of football.''

Nothing was ever proven, but there was great suspicion and open talk of bribery.

The cleanest aspect of the championship, along with the massive support of the fans, was the final.

Playing in the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires in front of 77,000 enthusiastic spectators,

Playing to potential

Argentina justified its billing as pre-tournament favourite by downing Holland 3-1 in extra-time to gain its first World title. It was the second consecutive time that the Dutch had finished as runner-up, and it has never come so close again.

But history might have been very different had Argentina not found a very special ally in the final. It was the last minute of regulation time and everybody was waiting for the referee's whistle and the start of extra-time — everybody with the exception of Robby Rensenbrink.

Just a few metres from Argentina's goalkeeper Ubaldo Fillol, the Dutch forward culminated a rapid counter-attack with a powerful shot off his left foot. The stadium suddenly went silent as the ball appeared to be headed for the net — but it bounced off the goalpost and the whole country breathed a huge sigh of relief.

In the extra-time, Mario Kempes fired in his second goal of the day and sixth of the tournament, making him the top-scorer. Daniel Bertoni then got Argentina's third, as the local fans went delirious.

This triumph by the team coached by Cesar Luis Menotti led to collective joy around the country and allowed Argentineans to forget, at least for a moment, the pain of the violent dictatorship under which they were living. — DPA

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