1978: Kempes takes the title

1978: Kempes takes the title
After coveting it for half a century Argentina finally hosted the FIFA World Cup in 1978. However, like the first tournament in 1930 there was considerable doubt as to whether it would even take place. This time it was not concern over a long sea journey but international opposition to the military junta that had seized power in 1976.

Cruyff boycott
A ceasefire between the government and opposition guerrillas prompted FIFA to give the go-ahead but the eleventh World Cup was played without Johan Cruyff, one of the world's greatest players, who stayed at home in protest at human rights violations.

World Cup debuts
FIFA retained the same format as in 1974 with its unpopular second group phase, although this was of no concern to England who, for the second time running, failed to qualify. France and Spain, however, both qualified for the first time since 1966. Meanwhile, Tunisia and Iran were making their debuts.

Germany in decline
The holders, West Germany, could no longer call upon Franz Beckenbauer and Gerd Müller and their decline seemed evident in a goalless draw against Poland - the fourth in a row in the tournament's opening match. Indeed the Germans only just qualified for the second phase with another goalless draw against Tunisia.

Argentina unconvincing
All eyes though were on the hosts as Argentina rode their luck in two 2-1 wins against Hungary - where their opponents had two men sent off - and France - courtesy of a very dubious penalty. Then, already through to the next round, they lost 1-0 to an impressive Italy.

France bow out
The French - featuring Michel Platini - could have beaten both Italy and Argentina but despite winning 3-1 against Hungary were on their way home. So too were Scotland who were unbelievable in just about every sense of the word. Booed after surrendering a 1-0 lead in a 3-1 defeat by Peru, jeered after they could only draw 1-1 with Iran, they then produced one of the World Cup's most memorable matches.

Gemmill inspires Scotland
Against the Netherlands - runners up in 1974 - the Scots had to win by three goals to go though. That did not seem possible when Rob Rensenbrinck's penalty put the Dutch ahead, but just before half-time Kenny Dalglish made it 1-1. Then Archie Gemmill's 15 minutes of fame - a penalty and a dazzling run and shot - put Scotland 3-1 up and one goal away from a sensation. Sadly for the Scots, the next goal came from the Netherlands's Johnny Rep, but the 3-2 victory showed what might have been.

Netherlands revival
The Dutch got into their stride in the second phase, thrashing Austria 5-1. Then, in a re-run of the 1974 final, they faced West Germany. This time the Germans scored early and led 2-1 until seven minutes from time when Rene van der Kerkhof's stunning strike grabbed a vital point.

Sensational strike
That meant that the Dutch's last group match - against Italy - would decide who made the finals. The Italians, until then the team of the tournament, dominated the first half but only led 1-0 at half-time, allowing the Dutch to fight back in the second half with goals by Ernie Brandts and a sensational 30-metre drive by Arie Haan to reach their second final in a row.

Goalless draw
The battle to join them ended in controversial fashion. Argentina against Brazil was the final South America had wanted but the group encounter between the two was not exactly a classic with hardly a chance in a predictable goalless draw. As Argentina, inspired by Mario Kempes, had already beaten Poland 2-0 and Brazil had cruised past Peru it meant that if the two giants won their last group matches then goal difference would decide who reached the final. Unforgivably their games did not kick off simultaneously and after Brazil had dispatched Poland 3-1, Argentina knew what they had to do against Peru - win by four goals.

Peru concede six
It looked a tough assignment, especially after Peru hit the post but with Argentina mounting attack after attack they finally scored after 20 minutes through Kempes, then two minutes before the break Alberto Tarantini made it 2-0. Kempes scored again three minutes into the second half and a minute later Leopoldo Luque got the all-important fourth. But the hosts were not finished as first Rene Houseman and then Luque fired past Peru's Argentinian-born goalkeeper Ramon Quiroga to seal a 6-0 win.

Argentina lead
The final, at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on 25 June was one of the most dramatic - and tense - World Cup history. In an even and uncompromising first half the Dutch could have taken the lead when Rep headed wide but it was Argentina - captained by the inspirational Daniel Passarella - who scored first through Kempes.

Nanninga strikes
The Netherlands, though, began to get the upper hand in the second half and towards the end laid siege to the Argentinian goal. Finally, with nine minutes left Dirk Nanninga headed an equaliser. Then in the dying seconds Rensenbrinck hit the post.

Kempes takes the cup
The difference between the teams in extra time was the irrepressible Kempes, who skipped past three players to slot home Argentina's second goal. This time the Dutch could not respond and Daniel Bertoni's goal four minutes from time sealed the match.

Foiled again
As a delirious nation celebrated Argentina's 3-1 victory - putting aside for a moment vicious political differences - the Dutch were left to rue their second successive defeat in a World Cup final and wonder what difference Cruyff might have made.