1978 FIFA World Cup Argentina
Staged by Argentina under military rule. Amid accusations that the junta used it as a distraction, Argentina beat the Netherlands 3–1 after extra time for their first title.
El Gráfico · Public domain · Source
The tournament was held in Argentina from 1 to 25 June 1978. Since a coup in 1976 the country had been ruled by General Videla’s junta, waging a “Dirty War” of arrests and killings against its opponents; estimates of the disappeared range from several thousand to 30,000. In Europe there were calls for a boycott, and the regime was accused of using the tournament to polish its image and distract the public. The Navy Mechanics School (ESMA), not far from the River Plate’s Monumental stadium where the final was played, was a secret detention centre.
Needing to win their last second-round match by four clear goals to reach the final, Argentina beat Peru 6–0, a result that still raises suspicion. In the final in Buenos Aires on 25 June Mario Kempes scored twice as Argentina beat a Netherlands side without Cruyff 3–1 after extra time; the Dutch had lost two finals in a row.