The 1978 FIFA World Cup in Argentina marked the country’s first-ever victory. Argentina hosted the tournament from June 1 to June 25, 1978. In the final, Argentina beat the Netherlands 3-1 in extra time at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental.
Road to the Final
Argentina played in Group 1 with Hungary, France, and Italy. The team advanced to the semi-finals after the group and second-round stages. Next, they beat Poland 2-0 to reach the final against the Netherlands.
The Final Match
Mario Kempes opened the scoring for Argentina in extra time during the final. The Dutch team did manage to equalize. However, Kempes scored again. Daniel Bertoni added another, making it a 3-1 win for Argentina.
Significance
This win gave Argentina its first World Cup title. Additionally, it boosted the country’s morale during a challenging political era. César Luis Menotti managed the team, focusing on skill and finesse.
Legacy
People still remember the 1978 World Cup for Mario Kempes’ incredible performances. He won the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer.