*Ironically, the English FA had
voted *for* Argentina to stage the 1970 finals (due to concerns for Mexico's
altitude problem).
**Johan Cruijff later claimed that
the real reason he refused to travel to Argentina was because he and his
family had been subjected to a kidnap attempt at his home in Barcelona.
"How the World Cup reaches you"
From the "ITV World Cup 78" magazine
"In
the stadium itself the commentary team will be positioned in one of the
150 special booths designed to accommodate commentators from all over the
world. For television each booth will have a monitor to see the action
replay shots provided by the cameras. All the pictures taken by the Argentine
television service will be shared by the world and back in London, the
hopes are that they will be as good as those provided by ITV at home. The
pictures themselves will be relayed by radio links or underground cable
to a transmitting station at Barcarce on the east coast of Argentina. From
there a a dish shaped aerial sends them towards the INTELSAT IVA satellite
22,300 miles above the Atlantic Ocean. The INTELSAT orbits the Earth at
the same speed as the Earth rotates and thus keeps a stationary position
over the Equator. The Satellite in turn amplifies and transmits the signals
across the World, North and South America, Europe, the Middle East and
Africa. About one third of the globe can receive the pictures at the same
time.
In detail, the pictures from one or both matches
are received via the European Broadcast Union network, at one or both of
the European Earth stations in Spain and Germany. In the case of Madrid,
they are responsible for converting and supplying the pictures via another
satellite to those countries in North and South America receiving on a
different picture standard. From Germany, at Raisting, the German Post
Office is responsible for passing on the signal, not only to the Eastern
European countries and the Far East, but also to Britain where the signal
is received from the EBU network, finally reaching ITV studios in London
via the Post Office Tower. It is then distributed to all stations throughout
the ITV network.
For the commentators, Hugh Johns, Gerald Sinstadt,
Martin Tyler, Gerry Harrison and Arthur Montford in Argentina and Brian
Moore as the host back in London, the live transmissions will bring them
together with thousands of miles between them. And the live programmes
only tell half the story. The highlights of the other games need to be
edited down in time for all the other transmissions that go out during
the series. Even when the programmes are off the air the studios will be
continually in action, co-ordinating the output from the team of reporters
in Argentina headed by Jack Charlton and Ian St. John who will both be
working to send back up to the minute information.
It all adds up to a giant size headache for
ITV's World Cup Team, but they have already spent over two years preparing
for the World Cup, and that is more than some of the teams taking part.
So settle down and enjoy the best of the action on your ITV screens, we're
sure you'll enjoy it."
ITV's
World Cup 1978 theme tune / Panel
Composed, arranged and conducted by Alan Tew and performed by The South
Bank Team, "Action Argentina" accompanied ITV's 1978 World Cup title sequence
which showed a mixture of the participating nation's flags with various
action clips. The music was similar in style to that of the 1974 ITV theme,
a fast paced upbeat trumpet-led number with absolutely no hint of a Latin
American (or Scottish) influence, but the 3:03 minute 1978 tune did include
a modern sounding synthesizer passage. The theme was released on the 'Weekend'
label featuring LWT's logo (Cat no. DJS 10867, b-side "Nanaskin").
Members of ITV's studio panel in London this year included Kevin Keegan,
Paddy Crerand, Brian Clough, Andy Gray, Emlyn Hughes and Peter Taylor.
Johan Cruijff was involved for the Scotland v Holland game and the final.
The studio set was based on the ITV Sport logo.
BBC coverage
The BBC's World Cup theme tune was very much
in the spirit of the host nation, "Argentine Melody (Cancion De Argentina)"
was performed by "San José featuring Rodriguez Argentina" although
it was in fact written and produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber and performed
by British musicians. Lloyd Webber had no doubt been asked to compose the
tune on the strength of his writing the music to "Don't Cry For Me, Argentina"
which had been a massive hit for Julie Covington some 18 months earlier.
The BBC theme was issued as a single by MCA in May 1978 (Cat no. MCA 369,
b-side "Strung") and it reached no.14 on the singles chart.
The BBC's commentary team was David Coleman,
Barry Davies, John Motson and Alan Weeks. Bobby Charlton was a co-commentator,
Archie McPherson commentated for BBC Scotland. Presentation in London was
handled by Frank Bough and Jimmy Hill, studio summarisers included Lawrie
McMenenmy, Jock Stein, Billy Bremner, John Bond and the 1974 World Cup
final referee Jack Taylor.
(Left) TV commercial for the
World Cup edition of the TVTimes dated 27th May 1978 which included an
8 page pull out.
(Right) Promo for ITV's "World
Cup Plus", a branding for prime-time non-football films and programmes
shown during the tournament.
Qualification
The qualifying draw was made in Guatemala on
20th November 1975. There were nine European pools - Group's 1-4 included
four teams, groups 5-9 had just three. Only the winners of each group would
progress to the finals with the exception of Group 9 whose winners would
have to play-off with South America's 3rd placed team. England were not
seeded but Scotland were, the other European seeds being Bulgaria, East
Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Soviet Union, Sweden and Yugoslavia.
Five of the nine seeds ultimately made it to the finals.
England
were drawn in Group 2 with Italy, Finland and Luxembourg. Anticipating
his first World Cup campaign as England manager, Don Revie was delighted
with the draw; "I don't intend any insult to Italy, matches against them
- home and away - will be terribly difficult... but honestly, you can't
expect to qualify for any World Cup without meeting one useful opponent
on the way and, considering England were not seeded, it could have been
far harder for us." Italy manager Fulvio Bernardini said; "We have played
England recently so we know them well and this experience will be important.
England however do not scare us." A month earlier Revie had claimed that
Football League secretary Alan Hardaker had assured him that all league
games would be postponed ahead of World Cup qualifying games, but Hardaker
then denied it; "'These are unauthorized statements and if Mr Revie wishes
to reveal all his business with me to the Press then I wish it to be known
that I cannot co-operate."
Scotland
and Wales were drawn together
in Group 7 along with Czechoslovakia (who went on to win Euro 76). Wales
manager Mike Smith said; "Britain has got a 2 to 1 chance of getting a
country through this group, we've got to make sure it's us, but one of
the things Scotland and ourselves must guard against is spending too much
time concentrating on each other and handing the advantage to the Czechs."
Scotland boss Willie Ormand said; "Dreaming a bit, it is obvious everyone
would like to be in with countries such as Malta and Cyprus, but that's
not on. The Czechs, as well as Wales, have displayed their power in the
European Championship, it is clear we could have it tough." Scottish defender
Gordon McQueen pointed out; "We have the edge over both of them. We stopped
the Czechs qualifying for the last World Cup finals and our record against
Wales is good."
Northern
Ireland were paired up in Group 4 with 1974 runners-up the Netherlands
as well as Belgium and Iceland. Temporary player/manager Dave Clements
said; "It is one of the toughest groups in the competition, we have a lot
of heavy work ahead, but I know there is no love lost between Holland and
Belgium - they might just cancel out one another's chances."
By
the time Northern Ireland kicked off their World Cup campaign Dave Clements
had been replaced with Danny Blanchflower, under whom the Irish made a
very encouraging start, drawing 2-2 away in the Netherlands with George
Best returning to the side for the first time in three years, but the good
work was soon undone with a disastrous defeat in Iceland whilst the Dutch
went on to win all of their remaining games to top the group by 5 clear
points.
England began well enough with a 4-1 victory
in Finland but the return match at Wembley set the alarm bells ringing,
Don Revie made a public apology for a very poor performance that saw England
sneak a victory by the odd goal. This was swiftly followed by the key fixture
away to Italy which was lost 2-0, leaving England needing to beat Italy
at home and notch up a better goal difference. England met Luxembourg at
Wembley in March 1977, winning by an acceptable scoreline of 5-0, but it
proved to be Revie's last World Cup game in charge. In July 1977 Revie
sold the news of his decision to resign to the Daily Mail, making the front
page with the headline "Revie Quits Over 'Aggro'". The story broke before
the FA had received his letter of resignation, though Revie believed that
he was about to be sacked anyway; "Nearly everyone in the country seems
to want me out," he told the Mail, "so I am giving them what they want.
I know people will accuse me of running away and it does sicken me that
I cannot finish the job by taking England to the World Cup finals in Argentina
next year, but the situation has become impossible." Revie then left the
country to accept a lucrative offer to become coach of the United Arab
Emirates. Taking temporary charge was Ron Greenwood, currently the general
manager at West Ham United having been team manager there from 1961-1974.
Greenwood's first qualifier in charge arguably did more damage to England's
chances than any other fixture - a mere 2-0 win in Luxembourg with the
2nd goal only being scored in the final minute. Three days later Italy
beat Finland 6-1 which effectively left the Italians only needing to avoid
a thrashing at Wembley to book their place in Argentina. In the final reckoning
England had done the unthinkable and failed to qualify for a 2nd successive
World Cup finals, missing out because they had scored three less goals
in their games against Finland and Luxembourg than Italy.
Scottish hopes of reaching the finals were in
the balance after they had suffered a 2-0 defeat in Czechoslovakia and,
after a slender 1-0 win at home to Wales, lost manager Willie Ormond to
Hearts. The group was then turned on its head when Wales beat the Czechs
3-0 at Wrexham. After appointing Aberdeen manager Ally MacLeod, Scotland
beat Czechoslovakia 3-1 at Hampden to place themselves in the driving seat.
The next fixture in the group - Wales v Scotland - was played at Anfield
and not in Cardiff due to serious crowd trouble during an international
at Ninian Park the previous year, the outcome of the crucial all British
clash was effectively decided by a shocking 78th minute penalty decision,
Scottish forward Joe Jordan handled in the area but the French referee
believed the hand belonged to a Welsh defender. Don Masson stepped up to
take the resulting spot kick and scored, Kenny Dalglish then added a 2nd
goal in the closing minutes and it would be Scotland who would once again
represent British interest in the World Cup finals.
Elsewhere, the Republic of Ireland were in a three
team group with France and Bulgaria, the Irish lost their opening game
in Paris, beat the French at home but could only take a point from their
two remaining games against Bulgaria and it was the French who went through.
Poland, the surprise package of 1974, won their group with ease but Euro
76 semi-finalists Yugoslavia finished bottom of a group topped by Spain
and their clash in Belgrade saw Spanish player Jaunito knocked-out by a
bottle hurled at him as he left the pitch after being substituted, he was
taken to hospital with concussion. The Soviet Union, like England, surprisingly
failed to qualify for the 2nd successive World Cup, a defeat in Greece
costing them their place which paved the way for Hungary to qualify - Though
as winners of Group 9 Hungary did have to overcome Bolivia in an intercontinental
play-off in order to make their first appearance in the finals since 1966.
Tunisia qualified from the African section with the distinction of being
the very first nation to win a World Cup penalty shoot-out along the way,
knocking out Morocco in the first round 4-2 on spot-kicks after both the
1st and 2nd legs had ended in 1-1 draws. Another first round African tie
between Cameroon and Congo had to be abandoned after an 82nd minute penalty
was awarded to the home side which would have potentially levelled the
score on aggregate, but the Congolese goalkeeper attacked the Gambian referee,
a riot broke out and the president of Cameroon, watching on television,
sent in paratroopers by helicopter - Two bystanders died. Worse was to
come in the North and Central American section at a match between Haiti
and Cuba where spectators mistook a firecracker for gunfire, they panicked
and knocked down a soldier whose gun went off killing both a small boy
and a girl. Further panic caused two people to be trampled to death and
another died jumping over a wall. The soldier committed suicide.
British TV coverage of Argentina 78
ITV games are in white, BBC are in grey.
Sat 14/Jan/1978 World Cup Draw
SCOTTISH & GRAMPIAN LIVE
*Brian Moore travelled the 7000
miles to Buenos Aires to cover the draw from where he also presented this
weekend's edition of "On The Ball", but there was no live coverage shown
in England - although news of the proceedings were scheduled to be included
in the ITN news bulletin at 10:00-10:15pm. SCOTTISH and GRAMPIAN both had
a live "Scotsport Special" at 9:00-10:00pm with Ian Archer reporting from
the Teatro San Martin in Argentina alongside Ally MacLeod. Also appearing
via a studio back home were squad members Bruce Rioch, Don Masson, Derek
Johnstone, Danny McGrain and Alan Rough. The seeded teams, announced
on Thursday 12th, were Italy (Group 1), West Germany (Group 2), Brazil
(Group 3) and the Netherlands (Group 4). Hosts Argentina were also placed
in Group 1 with Italy ahead of the draw, this being the first time that
two teams were placed in the same group before the actual draw was made.
Peru and Mexico would go into either Group 2 or 4 to keep the South/Central
American nations apart whilst Sweden and Hungary would go into either Group
1 or 3. Scotland, along with Spain and Poland, would be among the
first nations to be pulled out, knowing that they wouldn't be facing eachother
or placed in Group 1. The 4 weakest nations completing the groups would
be Tunisia, Iran, Austria and France. The teams were picked out of an urn
by the four year old grandson of FIFA president João Havelange.
Scotland ended up in Group 4 with the Netherlands, Peru and Iran. Ally
MacLeod said afterwards; "The draw gives us a good chance, especially as
we have Peru and Iran first. I did not want to play the seeded side first,
no matter what group we were in. I could not have asked for better. We
will be based in Cordoba and the hotel there is excellent. Only the 22
players and myself can let the country down now and I don't think we will.
Scotland have a bit of a reputation for struggling against the so called
lesser lights, but the squad this time is very professional." Captain Bruce
Rioch said; "It is a marvellous draw... We could be through to the last
eight before we meet Holland.", Don Masson added; "Scotland are certainties
to go through along with Holland." BBC1 in Scotland had a "World Cup Sportscene"
at 10:30-11:15pm having showed an episode of "Starsky and Hutch" whilst
the draw was actually taking place.
Argentina 78
Finals
World
Cup Songs
The official Scotland World Cup single for 1978
was "Ole, Ola (Mulher Brasileira)" by Rod Stewart released in May 1978
on the Riva label (cat no. Riva 15, b-side "Que Sera / My Mammy"). Despite
reaching no.4 in the charts "Ole, Ola" has been totally eclipsed in the
memory by an unofficial February 1978 release by comedian and Glasgow Rangers
fan Andy Cameron -"Ally's Tartan Army" - based on the tune of "God Save
Ireland" and, to this day, still sung on terraces throughout England, albeit
with adapted lyrics anticipating a trip to Wembley rather than "the Argentine".
Cameron's record, issued on the Klub label (cat no. KLUB 03, b-side "I
Want to be a Punk Rocker"), reached no.6 in the charts helped by two appearances
on "Top of the Pops" on 9th and 30th March. There was no TOTP performance
of Rod Stewart's single.
Format
The sixteen finalists were split into four groups
of four, the top two from each group would progress to the second round
which would comprise two groups of four. The second round group runners-up
would contest a 3rd place play-off (there were no semi-finals) and the
winners would qualify for the final.* The venues were Buenos Aires, Mar
Del Plata, Rosario, Cordoba and Mendoza.
*In 1974 Argentina pressed for an
increase in participating nations for the 1978 finals from 16 to 20, this
proposal was initially agreed but FIFA then decided to cut back to 16.
Louis Wouters (president of the Belgian FA) said "If raising the entry
meant that more teams of the calibre of Haiti, Zaire and Australia would
reach the finals, then I would rather be champion of Europe than champion
of the world."
Sat 27/05/1978 "World At Their
Feet"
*10:15-11:15pm. This was an
STV production (networked across the UK) which set out to capture the mood
of the country "getting ready to take on the world in its usual outrageous
manner."
Mon 29/05/1978 Bank Holiday
Sport - World Cup '78
*A 15 minute slot was scheduled
for a "special satellite report" at 1:10-1:25pm during ITV's Bank holiday
version of "World of Sport".
Wed 31/05/1978 "Action Argentina"
*This was ITV's preview programme
shown at 7:30-8:30pm and presented by Brian Moore with a panel of Brian
Clough, Kevin Keegan and Johan Cruijff (the Dutch star who had decided
not to take part). Ally MacLeod was also heard via a phone link. BBC1 had
a "World Cup Grandstand" preview at 7:16-8:24pm which dropped the studio
chat format in favour of reports on film from around the world including
John Motson meeting The Crown Prince of Iran (a passionate football fan)
and Bob Wilson in goal in a practice match against Brazil.
First Round
Game 1
Scenes from the opening ceremony,
1st June 1978
Thu 01/06/1978 West Germany
0 Poland 0
Group 2 (7pm bst)
ITV LIVE
Hugh Johns & Jack Charlton
*ITV coverage began at 5:45pm
introduced by Brian Moore with studio guest Kevin Keegan and ran until
9:00pm including the opening ceremony - which was basically a large number
of teenagers in Adidas tracksuits moving in formation, waving flags of
the participants, going through exercising motions, pretending to swim,
spelling out "Argentina 78" and making up the logo, all of which was described
by Gerald Sinstadt (and not by Hugh Johns who voiced the actual match).
Simultaneous coverage on BBC1 began at the slightly later time of 5:50pm
introduced by Frank Bough with David Coleman & Bobby Charlton commentating
(and as with ITV, their coverage ended at 9pm). BBC bosses were furious
when they learned of Argentinean TV's intention to cut away to the electronic
scoreboard ten times during the course of the opening ceremony to show
it advertising coffee! BBC head of sport Alan Hart said; "We don't like
blatant advertising of this kind at sports events, but to pull out of the
opening ceremony altogether would only deprive millions of viewers.". In
the previous tournament Poland had been denied a place in the final by
the West Germans on a waterlogged pitch, the Poles manager Jackek Gmoch
said ahead the 1978 opener; "We are ready mentally and physically to gain
our revenge. This is as good, if not better side than the one that surprised
so many people four years ago." Unfortunately the match turned out to be
yet another goalless curtain raiser, the 4th opening World Cup 0-0 in succession.
Poland had the only shot on target in the first half, just before the break,
and the players walked off to jeers and whistles. The 2nd half was little
better, Poland had a period of dominance and were marginally the better
side overall, but with the other two teams in this group (Tunisia and Mexico)
among the weakest in the whole competition, both West Germany and Poland
were clearly more than happy to settle for a point apiece.
Fri 02/06/1978 "World Cup '78"
*A surprisingly lengthy Friday morning programme (10:25am-noon)
that included highlights of the previous day's opening game as well as
news and discussion with host Brian Moore.
Fri 02/06/1978 Italy 2 (Rossi,
Zaccarelli) France 1 (Lacombe)
Group 1 (5:45pm bst)
ITV LIVE
Gerry Harrison & Ian St John
*ITV had exclusive live coverage
of this game with coverage running from 5:30-7:45pm. The TVTimes lists
the incorrect commentator for this game. The French were playing their
first match in a World Cup finals since losing to England in 1966 and they
wasted no time in making up for their absense, scoring after only 31 seconds
- building up a move from the keeper at the back, down the left hand side
before a sudden burst of pace by Didier Six on the wing resulted in a cross
for Bernard Lacombe to rise and head in the then fastest World Cup finals
goal seen on television. Italy, who had not lost to France for 58 years,
had a Roberto Bettega goal ruled out for offside before a comical equaliser
came on 27 - A free-kick on the right was swung into the box which eluded
the defence and fell to Cabrini wide on the left, Bettega attempted to
stab in Cabrini's centre but it was going wide, Franco Causio lunged in
to force the ball against the crossbar and in rapid ping-pong fashion the
ball came back off a defender towards goal, hit Causio on the line to come
back out again, but only to deflect off Paolo Rossi and into the net.
Italy scored the winning goal in the 2nd half on 54, Claudio Gentile and
Rossi were involved in a one-two on the right, Gentile then pulled back
a low centre and found the half-time sub Renato Zaccarelli who dug out
a low first time drive which wrong footed the keeper for 2-1. The disappointed
France manager Michel Hidalgo complained afterwards that he had seen very
little of the game because he had a TV camera and numerous technicians
positioned directly in front of him. Later in the evening on ITV there
was a special World Cup edition of the game show "Celebrity Squares" (apparently
running 15 minutes later than advertised) with an all Scottish celebrity
line-up including current players Lou Macari and Derek Johnstone plus old
boys Bill Shankly and Denis Law. BBC1 showed highlights of Italy v France
with Barry Davies commentating in a programme starting at 10:17pm ahead
of the late night live game. A few days later it was reported that Hidalgo
was vowing to quit once the French squad returned to Paris due to squabbles
among his players over cash perks, several of the team had apparently threatened
not to play against Italy unless they got more money from sponsors supplying
their sports gear.
Fri 02/06/1978 Tunisia 3 (Kaabi,
Ghommidh, Dhouib) Mexico 1 (Vasquez(pen))
Group 2 (8:45pm bst)
ITV Highlights
Martin Tyler
*Neither channel opted to show
this match live, Alan Weeks was at the game to commentate for BBC1
who showed highlights before the late night match. ITV showed clips/highlights
the next day. Mexico had an effort cleared off the line on 6 minutes but
took the lead from a penalty on 44 awarded for a hand ball which cut out
a cross from the left, Arturo Vázquez Ayala dispatched the spot
kick low into the right hand corner. A 2nd half equaliser came on 55 when
Ali Kaabi struck a shot from the edge of the area through a crowd of players.
Néjib Ghommidh then gave Tunisia a shock lead on 80 by racing into
the box on the left and finishing neatly with the outside of his right
foot. A 3rd goal for the 1000-1 outsiders came from Mokhtar Dhouib on 86,
clipping the ball past the on-rushing keeper with a defender also sliding
in. It was an historic night for Africa, Tunisia being the first country
from that continent to win a match in a World Cup finals.
Fri
02/06/1978 Argentina 2 (Luque, Bertoni) Hungary 1 (Csapo)
Group 1 (11:15pm bst)
ITV Highlights
Gerald Sinstadt
*BBC1 showed this match live
with John Motson & Ron Greenwood commentating, Argentina played their
fixtures at later kick-off times than everyone else so that they could
be
shown in peak-time hours at home and so that attendances at other games
would not be affected. Argentina were 4 hours behind British summer time
and so the BBC's coverage ran until 1:10am. Hungary took the lead on 9,
a loose ball had dropped to Sándor Zombori on the left corner of
the box and he struck a fierce half-volley which the keeper could only
parry into the path of Károly Csapó who had the simple task
of touching the ball in. The hosts were soon level however, a free-kick
on 14 was back-heeled to Mario Kempes who fired in a drive which the keeper
spilled and Leopoldo Luque was there to scoop the ball into the net for
1-1. That's the way it stayed until 7 minutes from time, a long ball to
the edge of the Hungarian box was chested on, the keeper came out to claim
but a defender stuck out a boot and the ball ran into the path of substitute
Daniel Bertoni who side footed into an empty net. Hungary, who had been
guilty of numerous fouls throughout, then had András Törocsik
sent off for a 2nd bookable offence on 88 which left Bertoni rolling around
on the ground holding his groin. There was still time for Hungary to go
down to 9 men when Tibor Nyilasi saw red (he too had received an earlier
yellow) for a rash challenge on Alberto Tarantini in injury time. ITV waited
until the following day to show highlights of this one, Gerald Sinstadt
initially had no idea who had scored Hungary's goal because he was so far
away from the pitch, but he later claimed he was able to lip read one of
the Hungarian coaches on the monitor saying the scorer's name! Confusion
as to who scored Argentina's winner continues to this day, Alonso ran to
the touchline near the corner of the ground to celebrate with the crowd
and he was followed by other players, the TV camera focussed on him and
a caption then identified Alonso as the scorer, but Bertoni (who Sinstadt
originally called when the ball hit the net) is listed as the scorer on
FIFA's web-site.
Sat 03/06/1978 "World of Sport"
*Brian Moore hosted the "World
Cup '78" section from 12:35-12:55pm anticipating Scotland's opening match
with Peru later in the day. A fair chunk of this slot was probably devoted
to the Argentina v Hungary match although BBC1 were specifically scheduled
to show highlights of that game (and not a "Football Focus") during "Grandstand"
at 1:50-2:10pm. It was not a day to be a non-football fan with both ITV
and BBC1 showing football virtually all evening and night from around 5:20-11:10pm
with only a 30-40 minute break inbetween two live games, all of which had
been preceded on both channels by other sports since lunchtime. BBC2 was
the only other alternative in those days who offered up two programmes
on the monarchy plus the 1952 film "The Snows of Killimanjaro".
Sat 03/06/1978 Austria 2 (Schachner,
Krankl) Spain 1 (Dani)
Group 3 (5:45pm bst)
ITV LIVE
Gerald Sinstadt & Jack Charlton
*A choice of matches at tea-time
with ITV having coverage of Austria v Spain at 5:15-7:45pm. This was Austria's
first match in the World Cup finals since 1958 and they took the lead on
9 minutes with a brilliant individual goal by 21 year old Walter Schachner
- racing down the right wing, beating a defender to make his way into the
box and blasting in from an acute angle. Spain keeper Miguel Ángel
made a spectacular save to prevent Austria going further ahead, acrobatically
catching a half-volley in mid-air after a neat one-two had set up a clear
sight of goal. Spain equalised on 21, a long cross from the right was met
by both attacker and defender which sent the ball spinning high into the
air directly above them and with the Austrian defender then looking around
to see where it had gone, Dani was in position to hit it first time with
a deflection that took the ball past the wrong footed keeper for 1-1. Spain
had the ball in the net again from a corner, but Rubén Cano's finish
was ruled out for a two man foul on the keeper, Spain also had another
effort headed off the line by Robert Sara before half-time. Austria's star
man Hans Krankl missed a great chance in the 2nd half, but he made amends
on 79 from close range after a shot had been partially beaten down but
fell kindly for Krankl who was able to pick his spot and fire into the
corner of the net. John Motson voiced the match for highlights on BBC1.
Sat
03/06/1978 Sweden 1 (Sjöberg) Brazil 1 (Reinaldo)
Group 3 (5:45pm bst)
ITV Highlights
Gerry Harrison
*BBC1 showed this game live
with Barry Davies commentating, coverage running from 5:25-7:35pm. Sweden's
manager observed ahead of the game; "I have seen Brazil [in friendlies]
before coming to Argentina. They went in for shirt pulling, they fouled
in front of the referee and when he was not looking, they were a dirty
side. Thankfully we have got a strong referee in Clive Thomas, generally
regarded as the best one here." - Prophetic words considering the infamous
outcome. Both sides had good opportunities to take the lead before the
first goal came for Sweden on 37, a clever flick by Bo Larsson into the
middle encouraged Thomas Sjöberg to run between two defenders and
force in a goal that was greeted by a huge roar from the local spectators
who were naturally supporting the Swedes. It was almost 2-0 soon afterwards
when Lennart Larsson rose to head a curling free-kick against the crossbar.
Brazil still managed to go in level at half-time with an equaliser that
proved to be the last kick of the first half with Welsh referee Clive Thomas
checking his watch as Brazil pressed forward - A high dropping ball to
the far post found Reinaldo who got the run of the ball to enable him to
poke it past Ronnie Hellström for 1-1. The Swedish keeper had to make
a desperate save in the 2nd half, throwing himself across goal to turn
a wickedly deflected looping effort around the far post. In the days when
it was relatively rare to play much more than 30 seconds injury time, Brazil
won a corner as the clock reached the 45 minute mark, the kick was delayed
by the linesman who walked over and moved the ball further into the arc,
the corner taker Nelinho then re-positioned it back to where he had originally
placed it. Perhaps irritated by this (as well as some pushing) and mindful
of the now desperate calls for the match to end from an Argentinean crowd
angered by the Brazil's last kick of injury time equaliser in the first
half, Clive Thomas decided to blow the full-time whistle just as the ball
was met with a clean header by Zico powering it into the goal - The 2nd
of the referee's three whistles signifying the end of the game was sounding
as the ball hit the back of the net. Four Brazil players ran towards Thomas
but they didn't surround him as he walked purposefully towards the tunnel
making clear gestures to signify that the goal had not counted. He said
afterwards "I saw the header but I didn't see the ball go into the net,
I had turned away." (The video evidence appears to suggest otherwise),
Thomas went on; "The Brazilians only have themselves to blame, they shouldn't
have wasted so much time over taking the corner." ITV showed highlights
of this game during coverage of the night match.
Sat
03/06/1978 Peru 3 (Cueto, Cubillas 2) Scotland 1 (Jordan)
Group 4 (8:45pm bst)
ITV LIVE
Arthur Montford & Joe Harper*
*Following a half hour break
from football for an edition of "Sale of the Century", ITV resumed World
Cup coverage at 8:15
which ran through until 11:00pm with a panel of Kevin Keegan, Paddy Crerand
and Andy Gray. Hugh Johns & Ian St. John were scheduled to commentate
for non-Scottish viewers but the line failed and so STV's Arthur Montford's
commentary was heard across the network, Ian St John's autobiography describes
Johns storming out of the booth in disgust, leaving Saint to continue a
less than flattering commentary of his own using some choice language.
He later received a severe dressing down for this. BBC1, who were also
showing the match live (8:20-11:10pm) suffered a similar line fail problem
in reverse, Archie McPherson was supposed to commentate for viewers in
Scotland but they heard the English commentator David Coleman instead.
All that was nothing compared to what happened on the pitch and in the
dressing room afterwards. Scotland began well enough and took the lead
on 14 minutes, Willie Johnston on the left found Kenny Dalglish who flicked
the ball back to Asa Hartford, he played it into the path of Bruce Rioch
who shot relatively tamely but Quiroga decided to push the ball away rather
than smother, Joe Jordan was first to it and scored from a tightish angle
inside the 6 yard box. Peru then began to threaten, though Dalglish had
two decent chances to increase the lead after being set up by Jordan. The
deserved equaliser came a minute before half-time, building up down the
middle, a couple of passes exchanged near the 'D' before César Cueto
found himself with a clear sight of goal after Tom Forsyth fell to ground
in a poor attempt at a tackle, Cueto's clinical low finish beat the perm
haired Alan Rough to nestle in the corner of the net, 1-1. In the 2nd half
Dalglish set up Jordan for a header which clipped the outside of the upright,
Jordan had an even better chance from a Don Masson corner - flicked on
to find Jordan whose shot was pushed away at point blank range by Quiroga
hurling himself across goal. The Scots best chance to restore the lead
of all came via a fortunate penalty decision on 63 - Rioch speeding into
the area appeared to lose control of the ball but his momentum saw him
taken out by a clumsily late and completely missed attempt at a clearance
by Díaz. Don Masson, who had scored the crucial spot kick v Wales
that saw them qualify, stepped up to take the penalty and struck it decently
enough - though it was at a nice height for Ramón Quiroga who guessed
correctly and pushed it away. Then on 70 minutes came the hammer blow,
Teófilo Cubillas advanced unchallenged towards the 'D' and was able
to switch to his right foot to let rip with a beautiful shot that found
the roof of the net in the near corner. A 3rd goal for Peru came just 6
minutes later, a direct free-kick on the edge of the area, just to the
left, was toe-poked magnificently by Cubillas into the same section of
the net as his earlier goal. Ally MacLeod said of the match; "We looked
sluggish right from the start. Whether or not it was tension I just don't
know." Some interpreted the Peru manager's post match remarks as sarcasm,
but it was probably more diplomacy when he said "I would like to congratulate
Scotland and Mr MacLeod for the team they presented to us... I am proud
of my team for beating the best side in Europe."
Scotland's nightmare evening did not end with the final whistle, Willie Johnston failed a drugs test after the match - testing positive for Fencamfamine. He was then ordered to take a 2nd test on the Monday morning. On Monday night he was sent home in disgrace. Speaking to a reporter he said; "I did take two pills before the game. They are prescribed by my club doctor at West Brom and they are called Reactiva. Other players take them in Britain, I only take them when I am feeling low. The whole thing was that I had hay fever almost from the time we arrived. I had no idea the pills contained any drugs which were banned by FIFA. Remember there are 300 drugs listed. This will haunt me for the rest of my life, but please believe me, it was a genuine mistake." The only previous case of this kind in the World Cup was in 1974 when a player from Haiti was banned from international football for a year. A spokesman for FIFA said; "The executive committee have the power to ban the whole Scottish team - This will be discussed in Buenos Aires." A few days later an anonymous Scottish player was quoted as saying "With Willie [Johnston] crying and in such a state, we all want to pull out, but we must fight on for those at home". Captain Bruce Rioch admitted; "I know what is being said at home. I fully understand the anger. My wife has been on the phone and my kids are even getting it at school." The Peru match was Johnston's 22nd and final match for Scotland, it was also the 17th and final international for Don Masson.
Sat 03/06/1978 Netherlands
3 (Rensenbrink 3(2pens)) Iran 0
Group 4 (8:45pm bst)
ITV Highlights
Martin Tyler
*ITV showed highlights of this
game after the Scotland v Peru match, most likely between 10:45-11:00pm.
Alan Weeks voiced the match for BBC1 who also showed highlights after the
Scotland game. It was a comfortable victory for the Dutch with Rob Rensenbrink
netting a hat-trick, two of them from the penalty spot - The first came
on 40 minutes when Willy van der Kerkhof collected the ball on the half
way-line and swiftly made his way into the box where he was crudely hacked
down, badly injuring his wrist. Rensenbrink dispatched the spot kick straight
down the centre for a half-time lead. His 2nd goal on 62 was a header at
the end of a cross from the right by-line. The 3rd, on 78, came as a result
of Johnny Repp's purposeful run past three defenders before he was eventually
bundled over in the box, Iran protested - earning one player a booking,
before Rensenbrink completed his hat-trick, this time firing high into
the top right corner.
Sun 04/06/1978 "World Cup '78
- Game of the Week"
*ITV devoted a one hour Sunday
afternoon slot at 2:15-3:15pm to highlights of the opening games presented
by Brian Moore. There was no football on the BBC today but, unlike ITV,
they did have a programme on Monday - "World Cup Report" going out at 6:50-7:20pm
encouraging viewers to phone in with comments and questions.
Game 2
Tue 06/06/1978 Italy 3 (Rossi,
Bettega, Benetti) Hungary 1 (Toth(pen))
Group 1 (5:45pm bst)
ITV LIVE
Gerry Harrison & Jack Charlton
*ITV had exclusive live coverage
of today's afternoon match, coverage from 5:30pm to 7:40pm. Italy went
ahead on 34 when a Tardelli effort was deflected and the keeper could only
parry, leaving Paolo Rossi with the opportunity to rush in and slot home.
Within 90 seconds Italy scored again - Hungary, in all white, gave the
ball away carelessly in defence, a quick lob forward into the box was not
dealt with and Roberto Bettega was able to get ahead of the centre backs
and prod in for 2-0. A 3rd goal came on 61 after an interchange of passes
on the edge of box found Romeo Benetti who hit a sweet low first-time drive
into the back of the net. Hungary won a late penalty on 81 with Bellugi
raising an arm against Csapo as they chased a through ball into the box,
András Tóth scored from the spot-kick to pull it back to
3-1. Bettega, as well as netting the 2nd Italy goal, hit the crossbar 3
times during the match with ferocious shots. David Coleman voiced the match
for highlights for inclusion on later programmes on BBC1.
Tue 06/06/1978 Poland 1 (Lato)
Tunisia 0
Group 2 (8:45pm bst)
ITV LIVE
Martin Tyler & Ian St. John
*A choice of live games late
evening, ITV's 2nd live broadcast of the day beginning at 8:40 and ending
in time for the News at 10:45pm. The TVTimes promised 'goal highlights'
from the West Germany v Mexico match at half-time and full-time. Poland,
in all red, forced a great save out of the Tunisia keeper and had a goal
ruled out for offside before Grzegorz Lato gave them the lead on 42 - Kaabi
swinging a leg to clear a high flick into the box but completely missing
and allowing Lato to steal in behind him and lash in an angled half-volley
from close range. On 55, Dhouib had to race back to clear off the Tunisia
goal-line but the Africans stayed in the match and almost equalised on
80 with a shot by Temime which hit the underside of the bar. They also
had three very good chances, all in the 6 yard area, in the dying minutes
and in the end Tunisia were unlucky not to earn a point. The BBC showed
highlights with commentator Alan Weeks.
Tue 06/06/1978 West Germany
6 (D.Müller, H.Müller, Rummenigge 2, Flohe 2) Mexico 0
Group 2 (8:45pm bst)
ITV Highlights
Hugh Johns
*BBC1 showed this match live
(directly after "The Germans" episode of "Fawlty Towers") from 8:35-10:35pm
with John Motson commentating. Dieter Müller gave West Germany the
lead on 14 by setting himself up with a nice turn on the outside of the
'D' and driving a low shot between two defenders into the corner of the
net. Hansi Müller got the 2nd on 29 after receiving a ball across
the box on the right and tucking in an angled finish. On 38 Mexico made
a complete mess of a free-kick deep into the German half, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge
broke from the wall to pick up the loose ball and set off on a run that
took him straight down the centre of the pitch, he then beat one back peddling
defender for pace before slotting past the on-rushing José Reyes
- whose momentum caused a collision after the ball was bound for goal and
whilst Rummenigge got up to celebrate, Reyes remained hurt on the ground
needing a stretcher to take him off with Pedro Soto coming on to replace
him. The change of keeper couldn't prevent the score increasing to 4-0
before half-time, a 44th minute free-kick was laid off to Heinz Flohe who
struck a fierce shot which may have taken a very slight deflection on its
way into the back of the net. With the game now effectively over, many
BBC viewers no doubt decided to switch over to the much tighter Poland
v Tunisia clash on ITV, those who stayed with BBC1 saw a deep cross from
the left on 71 nicely touched back first-time into the danger area where
Rummenigge scored with a half-volley for his 2nd and West Germany's 5th.
Two minutes later Flohe watched an effort hit a post, roll along the goalline,
hit the other post and bobble back out again, but on 89 he did find
the back of the net to make it 6-0 by setting off on a lengthy run from
just inside his own half and unleashing an unstoppable shot as he reached
the penalty area. Mexico were now unable to qualify, West Germany - despite
the impressive scoreline - would still require at least a draw from their
final Group 2 fixture against Tunisia.
Tue
06/06/1978 Argentina 2 (Passarella(pen), Luque) France
1 (Platini)
Group 1 (11:15pm bst)
ITV Highlights
Gerald Sinstadt
*Live on BBC1 at 11:05pm-1:25am
with the match described by Barry Davies & Bobby Charlton. Following
Italy's win earlier in the day, France had to get something out of this
game to stay in with a chance of reaching phase two, it was they who did
the early attacking but Argentina came closest to scoring, firstly having
a goal marginally ruled out for offside and then Kempes blasting against
the upright from the edge of the box. In injury time of the first half
the hosts won a penalty, though only after a long delay with the referee
having to consult a linesman as to whether there had been a deliberate
hand-ball by Marius Trésor to prevent a goal-bound shot (The replay
revealed that there had been), Daniel Passarella stepped up and fired a
low spot-kick into the right hand corner for 1-0. On 55 a spectacular long
range looping half-volley by José Valencia was tipped over by Jean-Paul
Bertrand-Demanes who cracked his spine against the post as he came back
down and had to be substituted, never playing for France again (It would
have been one of the all time great World Cup goals had it gone in). On
60, a delightful delicate chip by Patrick Battiston into the Argentine
box found Bernard Lacombe who in turn lobbed the keeper which came down
off the crossbar, Lacombe attempted to control the re-bound and Michel
Platini then stepped in to lash past the defender on the line for the equaliser.
France had a golden opportunity to go in front when Didier Six got clear
but shot agonisingly wide of the post. On 73 Argentina restored their lead,
Leopoldo Luque on a turn on the edge of the 'D' flicked the ball up and
struck in a blistering half-volley for 2-1 and that's how it finished.
A great late night's entertainment for those who stayed up, many citing
this as the best game of the tournament, and the result meant that both
Argentina and Italy had now qualified for the 2nd phase whilst France and
Hungary were destined to miss out despite having a game left to play. ITV's
highlights were shown along with highlights of West Germany v Mexico the
following afternoon at 1:00-2:00pm followed by racing from the Derby at
Epsom.
Wed 07/06/1978 Austria 1 (Krankl(pen))
Sweden 0
Group 3 (5:45pm bst)
ITV LIVE
Gerald Sinstadt & Jack Charlton
*Both ITV and BBC1's evening
schedules for Wednesday were dominated by the World Cup with a choice of
live matches at tea-time followed by Scotland's match on both channels
later that night. As with the previous two TV fixture choices, ITV had
the match which didn't feature the big name team, coverage running from
5:30-7:45pm. In a lifeless first half, Austria won a penalty on 43 although
it looked a harsh decision as Hand Krankl appeared to have lost control
of the ball when he invited the challenge from Björn Nordqvist. Krankl
took the kick himself and scored past Ronnie Hellström who had saved
three efforts from the striker earlier in the game. The most notable moment
of the 2nd half was when Nordqvist cleared off the line from Krankl. Despite
a disappointing game, Austria deserved the win which surprisingly (as the
most unfancied team in the group) guaranteed their place in the 2nd phase.
Barry Davies commentated for highlights on the BBC.
ITV's half-time commercial break
caption, Brian Moore hosting alongside Andy Gray and Kevin Keegan.
Wed 07/06/1978 Brazil 0 Spain
0
Group 3 (5:45pm bst)
ITV Highlights
Gerry Harrison
*Live on BBC1 from 5:40-7:35pm
with David Coleman & Bobby Charlton commentating. Another below par
display from Brazil who came closest to scoring in the first half when
Spanish defender Antonio Olmo, under pressure from Zico, headed against
the underside of his own crossbar. Brazil had a decent spell early in the
2nd half but Spain had the best chance on 75 when Cardenosa, with the Brazil
keeper well out of his goal, took too long to shoot and Amaral was able
to clear off the line. Brazil manager Claudio Coutinho said; "We are under
pressure more than any other country to win this World Cup. I include Argentina
in that assessment. It has not helped." ITV had brief highlights at half-time
and full-time of their match.
Wed
07/06/1978 Scotland 1 (Eskandarian(og)) Iran 1 (Danaeifard)
Group 4 (8:45pm bst)
ITV LIVE
Hugh Johns & Ian St. John*
*Following the early evening
live games, ITV were the first channel back on the air with football at
8:15-11:00pm, BBC1 showed this same match at 8:20-11:05pm. There was no
repeat of the commentary-line problems experienced during Scotland's previous
fixture, everybody back home in the UK heard the correct voices tonight
with Arthur Montford only describing the game for the Scottish & Grampian
regions and BBC viewers in Scotland hearing Archie McPherson. John Motson
commentated for the rest of UK households tuned to BBC1. On the pitch,
Scotland's tournament went from bad to worse. They did manage to go in
1-0 ahead at the break, but only thanks to an absolute gift of an own goal
on 43 after the Iran keeper had fallen to the ground in a challenge with
Joe Jordan, Eskandarian then attempted to make a clearance but - seemingly
not realising which way he was facing - struck the ball straight into the
centre of his own net! The dreaded equaliser came on 60, Scotland had the
chance to clear as an Iranian attack was built from the right flank to
the left, Archie Gemmill too might have done better in trying to shepherd
Danaeifard away from danger, but as Gemmill fell to the ground the Iranian
had enough sight of goal to beat Alan Rough at his near post with a low
drive from an acute angle. The reaction of Kenny Burns on the close up
camera angle said it all. Iran might have even gone in front when Ghasempour
raced clear into an empty Scottish half, but a bad touch/bobble at the
last moment allowed Rough to smother. Ally MacLeod said afterwards; "We
need a miracle now, we are clutching at straws if we are talking in terms
of beating Holland by three goals." Manchester United's Lou Macari played
for the 24th and final time for Scotland tonight as did sub Joe Harper
with his 4th appearance.
Wed 07/06/1978 Netherlands
0 Peru 0
Group 4 (8:45pm bst)
ITV Highlights
Martin Tyler
*Brief highlights were shown
by both channels during coverage of the Scotland v Iran match. The closest
anyone came to scoring was Rensenbrink in the 2nd half, Peru keeper Quiroga
getting down well to keep out a low shot. Peru gained in confidence as
the match went on but the Dutch had no intention of giving anything away,
playing one less man up front compared with the previous match and appearing
content to take a draw. Alan Weeks commentated for BBC1.
Thu 08/06/1978 "World Cup '78"
*There were two highlights/news
slots in today's ITV schedule - Firstly at 1:00-2:00pm which included lengthier
highlights of the Netherlands v Iran and Brazil v Spain and then a half-hour
show at 5:15pm which probably focussed on Scotland. Both shows were presented
by Brian Moore. BBC1 had a "World Cup Report" at 7:00-7:28pm with Frank
Bough and Jimmy Hill. There was no ITV programme on Friday, but BBC1 did
have a "World Cup Report" at 6:52-7:27pm with Bob Wilson and Trevor Brooking.
Sat 10/06/1978 "World of Sport"
*Brian Moore hosted the "World
Cup '78" section from 12:35-12:55pm, BBC1 included a "World Cup Report"
during "Grandstand" at the uncharacteristically late time of 4:40-5:00pm.
(Left) An example of the score
caption & clock graphics. (Right) As with 1974, replays would always
be
from an elevated position behind
the net and only one replay of a goal/near-miss would be shown.
Game 3
Sat 10/06/1978 France 3 (Lopez,
Berdoll, Rocheteau) Hungary 1 (Zombori)
Group 1 (5:45pm bst*)
ITV Highlights
Gerry Harrison
*Despite this match being rendered
totally meaningless (neither side could qualify) BBC1 decided to go ahead
with their scheduled live broadcast with John Motson commentating. However,
both teams turned up at the ground with white shirts only and so France
had to borrow a set of green and white striped shirts belonging to Club
Atlético Kimberley (a local Mar del Plata City regional league team)
causing the kick-off to be delayed by 40 minutes. BBC coverage ran from
5:25-7:40pm which meant they had to leave the game at the end of the 1st
half so that the following programme "The Good Life" could begin at its'
scheduled time. France had taken the lead on 23 with a screamer, well outside
the area from the boot of Christian Lopez. On 38 a mistake by a Hungarian
defender allowed the ball slip through to Marc Berdoll, three defenders
then forced him across the box and away from goal but he was allowed to
turn and get in a shot that rolled past the keeper for 2-0. Hungary then
had a header which hit the crossbar before they did pull it back to 2-1
on 41 - Sándor Zombori exchanging a one-two on the edge of the box
before finishing with a neat side-footed curling chip. Yet, straight from
the re-start France restored their two goal advantage, building up down
the left, a bobbling pull-back into the box found Dominique Rocheteau who
swivelled on the spot to get in a finish that just crept in on the inside
of the post. France almost scored a 4th goal seconds after the break with
a swift move upfield, but the finishing effort this time hit the upright.
Platini later saw a fierce strike hit the top of the crossbar and 3-1 was
the way it stayed leaving Hungary bottom of the group with three straight
defeats. ITV showed brief highlights during coverage of the later games.
Sat
10/06/1978 Poland 3 (Boniek 2, Deyna) Mexico 1 (Rangel)
Group 2 (8:45pm bst)
ITV LIVE
Martin Tyler
*Yet again, ITV had the less
attractive/less meaningful choice of live games for the 8:45pm kick-off's
with Mexico unable to qualify and Poland expected to take at least the
point they required. ITV coverage began at 8:30pm and, aside from a break
for the news at 10:30pm, ran through until closedown at 1:30am to take
in the late night match too. Poland took the lead on 42, Grzegorz Lato
skipping away from a challenge on the left wing before pulling the ball
back from the byline for Zbigniew Boniek to thunder into the net. Mexico
equalised early in the 2nd half on 51 - Ignacio Flores making his way into
the box on the right, a square ball took Víctor Rangel by surprise
but he did enough to get some sort of shot in which took the ball past
the keeper for 1-1. Poland were soon back in front however, a series of
deflections on the edge of the area saw the ball eventually break kindly
for Kazimierz Deyna who struck a cracking first-time shot into the roof
of the net. A 3rd goal for Poland came courtesy of a long range effort
from Boniek on 83 and Poland won the group. Alan Weeks covered this game
for the BBC.
Sat 10/06/1978 West Germany
0 Tunisia 0
Group 2 (8:45pm bst)
ITV Highlights
Hugh Johns
*Live on BBC1 from 8:25-11:00pm
with David Coleman & Bobby Charlton commentating. Tunisia came into
the match knowing that if they could somehow win this match, they would
go through. West Germany had to avoid defeat and seemed content to do just
that and settle for 2nd place, though Tunisia might have had a penalty
on 39 when Agrebi went down under a challenge in the area. At full-time
the electronic scoreboard revealed the score at the other Group 2 game
and Tunisia, unluckily, were out. ITV showed highlights during their coverage
of the other matches.
Group 2 Final Table
1. Poland
+3 5
2. West Germany +6 4
3. Tunisia
+1 3
4. Mexico
-10 0
Sat
10/06/1978 Italy 1 (Bettega) Argentina 0
Group 1 (11:15pm bst)
ITV LIVE
Gerald Sinstadt & Jack Charlton
*Live coverage on ITV at 10:45pm-1:30am
following their earlier coverage of Poland v Mexico and a news bulletin.
Both nations had already qualified and were playing for top spot and the
right to play the 2nd phase matches in the capital city, though in terms
of opponents - 2nd place was shaping up to be more desirable as it would
at the very least avoid a meeting with holders West Germany. Argentina's
Leopoldo Luque (who had scored in both of their opening games) was missing
having dislocated an elbow in their previous match v France, though he
was to suffer a much greater tragedy on the day of this fixture with Italy
- his brother was killed in a road traffic accident. The first half saw
chances created at both ends but it was still goalless at the break. Italy
took the lead on 67 with a nice move that saw Paolo Rossi and Roberto Bettega
combine in an exchange of neat flicks to set up Bettega to snap home a
low shot for 1-0, a goal which proved to be enough to win the game and
the group. Barry Davies commentated for the BBC highlights the following
morning.
Group 1 Final Table
1. Italy
+4 6
2. Argentina +1 4
3. France
0 2
4. Hungary
-5 0
Sun 11/06/1978 "World Cup '78
- Game of the Week"
*Presented by Brian Moore with
Brian Clough at 2:15-3:15pm. BBC1 had a "World Cup Grandstand" earlier
in the day at 11:15am-12:05pm showing highlights of Argentina v Italy.
Sun 11/06/1978 Spain 1 (Asensi)
Sweden 0
Group 3 (5:45pm bst)
ITV LIVE
Gerald Sinstadt & Jack Charlton
*ITV had coverage from 5:30-7:45pm
whilst the BBC completed a hat-trick of live Brazil games. Both Spain and
Sweden needed to win - preferably by more than one goal, and hope
that Brazil didn't beat Austria. Spain had the early chances but were off
target and it was Sweden who went closest in a scoreless first half on
42 when they had an effort from a corner cleared off the line. With Brazil
now ahead, both sides probably emerged from the tunnel for the 2nd half
knowing that a winner here would unlikely be enough to keep them in the
tournament. Julio Cardeñosa came desperately close for Spain when
his shot from the edge of the area hit the foot of a post, rolled along
the line and bobbled past the far post and out for a goal-kick. A Spanish
goal finally did come on 75, Juanito played a delicate ball into the box
for Juan Asensi whose one touch took him away from the defender and left
him with enough space for to lash in for 1-0. Ingemar Erlandsson was close
to an equaliser with a header which bounced off the top of the crossbar
but it all proved to be academic. John Motson described the highlights
for BBC1.
Sun 11/06/1978 Brazil 1 (Roberto
Dinamite) Austria 0
Group 3 (5:45pm bst)
ITV Highlights
Gerry Harrison
*Live on BBC1 at 5:30-7:35pm
with Barry Davies commentating. Brazil went into the game needing a win
to be sure of going through, Austria were already guaranteed a place in
the 2nd phase. Brazil's Jorge Mendonça twice missed from point blank
range in an improved display from the South Americans before a goal on
40 proved to be enough to see them through - scored by Roberto Dinamite
who controlled a long deep cross into the box by Gil from the right and
finished via a slight deflection. The Brazil manager said afterwards; "Now
beautiful matches can begin, now the World Cup really gets underway with
the eight best teams." Austria won the group on goals scored ahead of Brazil
in 2nd.
Group 3 Final Table
1. Austria
+1 4
2. Brazil
+1 4
3. Spain
0 3
4. Sweden
-2 1
Sun
11/06/1978 Scotland 3 (Dalglish, Gemmill 2(1pen)) Netherlands
2 (Rensenbrink(pen), Rep)
Group 4 (8:45pm bst)
ITV LIVE
Hugh Johns & Ian St. John
*ITV coverage began at 8:15pm
and ended at 11:15pm with Johan Cruijff joining Brian Moore and Brian Clough
in the studio. Arthur Montford commentated for Scottish & Grampian
viewers. BBC1 also showed this match live from 8:15-11:10pm (overrunning
10 minutes longer than scheduled), Archie McPherson described the match
for BBC viewers in Scotland, David Coleman & Bobby Charlton elsewhere.
Scotland needed to win by three goals to go through ahead of the Netherlands
in 2nd place. Bruce Rioch headed against the face of the crossbar and Kenny
Dalglish had a goal disallowed for a non-obvious reason early in the game
before the Dutch won a disputed penalty on 34 as Stuart Kennedy, goalkeeper
Alan Rough and Johnny Rep all came together in the box leaving the Dutchman
on the ground. Rob Rensenbrink stepped up to take the spot kick and placed
it neatly into the corner for the 1000th goal scored in World Cup history.
Scotland deservedly drew level just before half-time - Graeme Souness chipped
a ball into the box which was headed down by Joe Jordan to an unmarked
Dalglish who thundered home on the half-volley from close range. In the
2nd half (both ITV and the BBC missing the opening moments for some reason)
Souness won a penalty for Scotland on 46 when he was surrounded by three
defenders and brought down on the edge of the six yard area, Archie Gemmill
struck the spot kick perfectly just inside the post giving the keeper no
chance for 2-1. On 68 came what is still generally regarded as the all-time
high point of Scottish football - Kenny Dalglish wide on the right turned
between two defenders on the edge of the box but couldn't get past a 3rd,
Archie Gemmill was first to the loose ball and skipped away from the lunge
of Jansen, he then turned sharply away from Krol who fell to ground, slipped
the ball past and ran around the outside of Schoenaker (who also ended
up on the floor) taking the Scottish midfielder deep into the box to the
right of goal, Gemmill had time to take a touch to set himself up and slotted
a delightful chip over keeper Jongbloed and into the net to make it 3-1
- A brilliant goal and Scotland were now, incredibly, just one more goal
away from qualifying for the 2nd phase. Sadly the hopes were dashed just
3 minutes later, Johnny Rep was played into space in a central channel
and shot from well outside the area, ironically taking a deflection off
Gemmill to help it soar into the top corner. 3-2 was the way it stayed
and Scotland were out on goal difference, but they had at least salvaged
some pride. Ally MacLeod said afterwards; "Looking back my regrets are
firstly that Gordon McQueen wasn't fit, that Willie Donachie wasn't available
for the first match against Peru and that I did not bring in Graeme Souness
earlier. I have had to to spend too much of my time answering phone calls,
denying stories about the behaviour of my side. No other squad in the whole
history of football has been subjected to the sort of pressure Scotland
have suffered out here." Two Scottish players on duty tonight played their
last on the international stage, Tom Forsyth (22 caps) and Bruce Rioch
(24 caps).
Sun 11/06/1978 Peru 4 (Velasquez,
Cubillas 3(2pens)) Iran 1 (Rowshan)
Group 4 (8:45pm bst)
ITV Highlights
Martin Tyler
*Only highlights were available
of this match with both channels showing Scotland v Netherlands live. Peru
needed to avoid losing by more than one goal to be certain of going through,
Iran needed to win by three. Peru took the lead in the 2nd minute through
José Velásquez heading in a corner. Iran had chances to equalise,
forcing a couple of good saves out of Ramón Quiroga before Peru
were awarded a penalty on 36 for a body-check on Oblitas just inside the
area, Iran protested but Teófilo Cubillas made it 2-0 from the spot
kick. Just 3 minutes later Peru won another penalty - A nice interchange
of passing sent Cubillas clean through, he nudged the ball past the keeper
and then went over his outstretched arm. Cubillas duly despatched his 2nd
spot kick for 3-0. Iran pulled one back before half-time, a cross into
the box from the left was met by the head of a defender but he only managed
to back-head it to Hassan Roshan out on the right who hit a first time
shot into the far corner of the net. Cubillas completed his hat-trick on
79, turning on the edge of the area, getting a fortunate touch off a defender
and then side-footing the ball in for 4-1, a result that won the group
for Peru by two clear points. Alan Weeks called the action for highlights
on BBC1.
Group 2 Final Table
1. Peru
+5 5
2. Netherlands +2 3
3. Scotland -1
3
4. Iran
-6 1
Mon 12/06/1978 "World Cup '78"
*Two round-up programmes on ITV today presented by
Brian Moore. The first was at 1pm-2pm with the TVTimes billing highlights
of Peru v Iran and Brazil v Austria. The 2nd programme at 5:15-5:45pm previewed
the 2nd phase. BBC1 had a "World Cup Report" at 6:50-7:20pm. BBC1 also
had a programme on Tuesday with another "World Cup Report" in the same
time slot, 6:50-7:20pm. The BBC and ITV flipped a coin to decide who would
get first choice of the 2nd round matches, the BBC won (as they had with
the 1st round) and elected to take all of the Argentina matches.
Second Round
Game 4
Wed
14/06/1978 Netherlands 5
(Brandts, Rensenbrink(pen), Rep 2, W.van de Kerkof) Austria 1 (Obermayer)
Group A (5:45pm bst)
ITV LIVE
Hugh Johns & Jack Charlton
*All four opening games of the
2nd phase took place on the same day, the two Group A matches kicking off
at the same time with ITV showing Holland v Austria at 5:30-7:45pm. The
Dutch took an early lead on 6 with an unmarked Ernie Brandts heading in
a free-kick crossed in from the right by Arie Haan. Austria missed a great
chance to equalise when keeper Piet Schrijvers (selected in place of Jan
Jongbloed) charged off his line and completely miss-timed a dive at the
feet of Kurt Jara who really should have had a shot rather than squared
a ball into the centre where Rudi Krol was able to do enough to avert the
danger. On 35 Wim Jansen was brought down by a late challenge in the box
by Herbert Prohaska, Rob Rensenbrink stepped up and struck the penalty
into the top corner for 2-0. A minute later, Rensenbrink broke down the
left and sent in a low curling ball to the edge of the box to Johnny Rep,
the ball bounced up under Rep's attempt to control it but with the keeper
racing off his line Rep took the opportunity to lob and it dropped over
the line for 3-0. This was only the first match of the group, yet by half-time
Austria were effectively out of contention for a place in the final. On
53 a goal-kick found Rensenbrink whose first touch took him inbetween the
defenders, a challenge forced him out to the right but with the keeper
coming out he was able to play a delicate ball towards goal leaving Rep
with the simple task of tapping in from inside the 6 yard box for 4-0.
Austria pulled one back on 80, Krieger putting a low ball into the box
which bounced up in the air off Obermayer but he had time to turn and put
in a high looping lob over the keeper which dropped early enough to find
the net at the far post. The Dutch still had the last word, Rensenbrink
again the provider - breaking down the left, beating a defender for pace,
checking as he reached the box and then playing the ball into Willie van
de Kerkhof who slotted in for goal number 5 on 82 minutes. The BBC
commentator at this match was Alan Weeks.
Wed 14/06/1978 West Germany
0 Italy 0
Group A (5:45pm bst)
ITV Highlights
Gerald Sinstadt
*Live on BBC1 from 5:30-7:35pm
with John Motson commentating. Italy, so impressive in winning their 1st
Round group, were generally stifled in the opening 30 minutes but finished
the first-half strongly, Roberto Bettega closest to scoring when he burst
into the box on 36, rounded the keeper Sepp Maier and saw his finishing
effort cleared off the line by Manfred Kaltz. Earlier in the match at the
other end Dino Zoff had to make a good save from a spectacular long range
volley from Bernd Hölzenbein. In the 2nd half Italy hit the woodwork
when a short corner was chipped into the box by Antonio Cabrini which sailed
over everyone and came back off the upright, Bettega's follow up shot was
then blocked on the line, possibly by the arm of Kaltz. The game finished
0-0, West Germany's 3rd goalless draw in the 4 games they had played so
far.
Wed
14/06/1978 Brazil 3 (Dirceu 2, Zico(pen)) Peru 0
Group B (8:45pm bst)
ITV LIVE
Gerry Harrison & Ian St. John
*ITV's first live broadcast
of a Brazil match during this World Cup went out at 8:15-10:45pm with Pat
Crerand, Kevin Keegan, Brian Clough and Peter Taylor on the panel (Taylor
was very damning of Brazil beforehand, branding them "a disgrace"). Brazil
took the lead on 14 with a direct free-kick curled in by Dirceu from 30
yards out. Peru could have equalised when Oblitas sent a square ball across
the face of goal, the keeper slipped and Juan Muñante side-footed
a week shot directly at him. Almost immediately afterwards on 27, Dirceu
got his 2nd goal with a speculative long-range low drive from out on the
left which the keeper was late to react to and the ball crept in at the
far post. Peru pressed hard to get back into the match early in the 2nd
half but on 72 Brazil won a penalty, Roberto Dinamite was played into the
box on the left and got ahead of the defender who then grabbed the back
of his shirt and wouldn't let go as Roberto continued on his run, the referee
blew his whistle but Roberto carried on and then had his legs taken away
from him in comical fashion by another defender causing Ian St John to
laugh out loud and Gerry Harrison to wonder if Brazil should be given two
penalties. Sub Zico, who had only just come on, stepped up to score from
the spot to make it 3-0. Barry Davies voiced this match for BBC highlights.
Wed
14/06/1978 Argentina 2 (Kempes 2) Poland 0
Group B (11:15pm bst)
ITV Highlights
Martin Tyler
*Live on BBC1 from 10:45-1:15am
with David Coleman & Bobby Charlton commentating. The hosts took the
lead on 16, working the ball from right to left across midfield before
a superb curling ball into the box from Daniel Bertoni invited Mario Kempes
to steal in ahead of the defender and nod the ball in for 1-0. Poland were
robbed of a certain equaliser on 39 - A free-kick just outside the box
given for a cynical foul by the left byline was crossed beyond the far
post, Henryk Maculewicz headed it back into the danger area and with the
keeper stranded Grzegorz Lato had a goal-bound header cleared off the line
by the diving outstretched hand of Alberto Tarantini (pictured), an offence
that did not warrant an automatic red card in 1978. There was to be no
justice in the resulting penalty, Kazimierz Deyna - playing his 100th international
- stepped up and struck a weak low spot-kick which was scooped up by Ubaldo
Fillol and the teams went in at half-time with Argentina still leading
1-0. In the 2nd half, a great bit of skill from Zbigniew Boniek took him
into the Argentine box and round the keeper, but his last touch wasn't
great and Grzegorz Lato stepped in to shoot into the side netting. The
killer 2nd goal on 72 was a poor one from Poland's point of view, Jan Tomaszewski's
drop kick up field was picked up by Osvaldo Ardiles on the half-way line
and he was allowed to run all the way to the edge of the box before squaring
to Kempes who sidestepped his marker and swept the ball home for 2-0. Kempes
might have completed a hat-trick when he was put clear in the last minute,
but his finishing effort was wide. ITV highlights were shown the following
day.
Thu 15/06/1978 "World Cup '78"
*There were two ITV World Cup programmes presented
by Brian Moore on the day the Scotland squad arrived back home, the first
at 1pm-2pm and then a tea-time show at 5:15-5:45pm. BBC1 had a "World Cup
Report" at 6:44-7:05pm. There was no ITV programme on Friday but BBC1 did
have a "World Cup Report" that day at 6:58-7:29pm.
Sat 17/06/1978 "World of Sport"
*The scheduling of the World
Cup fixtures still left a lot to be desired in 1978, surely it would have
made obvious sense to have the two Group A games today and the Group B
games on Sunday, but instead Saturday was fixture-free with four games
taking place on Sunday. Brian Moore hosted a "World Cup On the Ball" during
"World of Sport" at 12:35-12:55pm, but there was no World Cup slot scheduled
for "Grandstand" on BBC1.
Sun 18/06/1978 "World Cup '78
- Game of the Week"
*Presented by Brian Moore at
2:15-3:15pm.
Game 5
Sun
18/06/1978 Poland 1 (Szarmach) Peru 0
Group B (5:45pm bst)
ITV LIVE
Gerry Harrison & Ian St. John
*Just one of today's games kicked
off at tea-time and it was live on ITV from 5:30-7:45pm. This was a fixture
that both sides had to win and win by a decent margin to retain any realistic
hope of reaching the final. Peru keeper Quiroga made some fine saves in
the first half with Poland doing most of the pressing. A goal finally came
on 64, Grzegorz Lato robbed the dithering José Navarro down by the
touchline on the right, played in a beautiful cross for Andrzej Szarmach
and his diving header gave the keeper no chance. It might have been 2-0
when Szarmach crossed from the left for Kazimierz Deyna who saw his header
rebound off the foot of the post, the ball then bounced up to Lato who
had no time to adjust the direction of his header which went straight to
the keeper. Quiroga went on to make further good saves but it was his other
antics in this match that "El Loco" will be best remembered for - He had
co-commentator Ian St John in fits of laughter, firstly for a good
tackle he made just outside the centre circle and then in the last minute
when he actually sprinted into Poland's half to thwart Lato on the break
with a rugby tackle (pictured) for which he was booked by English referee
Pat Partridge. Alan Weeks voiced the game for BBC highlights.
Sun
18/06/1978 Netherlands 2
(Haan, R.van de Kerkhof) West Germany 2 (Abramczik, D. Müller)
Group A (8:45pm bst)
ITV LIVE
Hugh Johns & Jack Charlton
*A choice of viewing in the
evening with ITV having the prize fixture at 8:15-10:45pm. This would be
the 2nd meeting of West Germany and the Netherlands since the 1974 World
cup final as they had played a friendly match in May 1975 which ended in
a 1-1 draw. Here in 1978 West Germany won a direct free kick on the edge
of the area in the 3rd minute, Rainer Bonhof took a run up and blasted
it low beyond the wall, Piet Schrijvers could only parry it and Rüdiger
Abramczik managed to get a downward header onto the rebound to push it
past the keeper for 1-0. The Dutch equaliser on 27 was pretty spectacular,
Arie Haan picking the ball just beyond the centre circle, running forward
into space and unleashing a blistering 30 yarder which moved so swiftly
through the air that Maier didn't even make an attempt to save it. Haan's
goal was the first West Germany had conceded in this year's finals and
indeed the first in the World Cup since Neeskens' penalty against them
in the 1974 final. On 70 Abramczik was tripped mid-way inside the Dutch
half, the free-kick was played out to the left for Erich Beer who chipped
in a cross and Dieter Müller headed in to restore the West German
lead at 2-1. Johnny Rep was desperately unlucky not to equalise when he
drifted in from the right wing, swerving past 3 defenders and unleashing
a fierce shot that cannoned off the face of the crossbar. A deserved Dutch
equaliser did however come on 82, Jan Poortvliet sliding a ball through
to René van de Kerkhof on the edge of the box who then side-stepped
away from a tackle and side-footed a curling shot past Maier, Rolf Rüssmann's
desperate attempt to keep it out with his diving hand only helped the ball
into the net for 2-2. Dick Nanninga had come on as sub on 80 but was sent
off on 88 for continuing to argue with the referee even after he had been
shown a yellow card for protesting about an incident in the German penalty
area. The Dutch were now in the driving seat, knowing that a win against
Italy in the final group game would take them through to the final no matter
what happened elsewhere. David Coleman described the match for BBC highlights,
though they also showed a bit of it live (see below match for details).
Sun 18/06/1978 Italy 1 (Rossi)
Austria 0
Group A (8:45pm bst)
ITV Highlights
Gerald Sinstadt
*Live on BBC1 from 8:15pm with
Barry Davies commentating. Satellite problems saw one break being filled
by switching to Netherlands v West Germany with David Coleman. Following
the News, BBC1 stayed with football until closedown to take in the late
night fixture as well. Italy took the lead on 13, Paolo Rossi and Franco
Causio exchanging a series of passes through the central channel with the
final ball chased into the box by Rossi and Heinrich Strasser, the latter
got there first first but for some reason failed to tidy up the danger
and merely touched the ball on into the path of Rossi who was able to angle
in a finish past the keeper. Rather than attempt to better the Netherlands
4 goal margin of victory over the Austrians, Italy seemed content to play
for a single goal win, although Francesco Graziani should have made it
2-0 late on when a ball in from the left via a couple of headers left him
with only the keeper to beat from 8 yards out, but he shot wide.
Sun
18/06/1978 Argentina 0 Brazil 0
Group B (11:15pm bst)
ITV Highlights
Martin Tyler
*Live on BBC1 until 1:15am with
John Motson & Ron Greenwood commentating. As things stood at the start
of this match, it seemed almost certain that a winner in this fixture would
be able to look forward to playing in the final. Mario Kempes had a couple
of decent long range efforts for the hosts in a bruising first half but
Leão saved both shots comfortably. Gil had a good chance for Brazil,
gaining control of the ball on the edge of the box and firing a low shot
which Ubaldo Fillol did well to get down in time to make the save. Argentina
came closest of all on 36 when Bertoni on the right crossed a low ball
which found Oscar Ortiz in space in the box and his finish with the outside
of the boot was inches wide. In the 2nd half, a ball into the box set up
Roberto but his close range finish clipped the legs of Fillol to ricochet
clear. Brazil were the better side on the night but the draw clearly favoured
Argentina as they would play their final fixture after Brazil would play
their last game earlier in the day, Argentina would therefore know exactly
what score would be required against the already eliminated Peru to secure
top spot. ITV showed highlights the following day.
Mon 19/06/1978 "World Cup '78"
*ITV had two round-up programmes presented by Brian
Moore today, 1pm-2pm and 5:15-5:45pm. BBC1 had a "World Cup Report" at
6:52-7:20pm. There was no programme on ITV on Tuesday but BBC1 had a World
Cup round-up that day at 6:50-7:21pm.
Game 6
Wed
21/06/1978 Netherlands 2
(Brandts, Haan) Italy 1 (Brandts(og))
Group A (5:45pm bst)
ITV LIVE
Gerald Sinstadt & Jack Charlton
*This fixture, exclusively live
on ITV from 5:30-7:45pm, was effectively a semi-final as the winners would
progress to the final. The Dutch, in change white shirts and orange shorts,
knew that they would likely go through if the match were to end in a draw.
The onus was on Italy who were the better side in the opening quarter of
the game and, after a few near misses, it was they who took the lead on
19, albeit with some good fortune - A build up outside the box saw the
ball flick up and fall into the path of Roberto Bettega who found himself
in the clear, Ernie Brandts was behind him and made a desperate lunge but
only succeeded in sliding the ball past his own on-rushing keeper Piet
Schrijvers and into the back of the net. Schrijvers was injured in the
three man collision and had to be carried off , he was replaced by Jan
Jongbloed who was immediately called into action to make a save at the
feet of Rossi and then a keep out a long shot through a crowd of players
from Benetti. Italy controlled the rest of the half but suffered a major
blow when key midfielder Romeo Benetti was booked on 40 for a foul on Rensenbrink,
meaning he would not be able to play in the final. The Netherlands were
no doubt buoyed by the half-time score in the West Germany match and equalised
soon after the break on 49 after the Italians had twice failed to clear
a long ball into the box by Ruud Krol, eventually it fell for Ernie Brandts
who made up for his earlier own goal in spectacular fashion with a stunning
drive from outside the 'D', 1-1. The Dutch were now on top and an even
better goal was to come on 76 - A free-kick near the half-way line was
touched by Krol to Arie Haan who advanced a few paces before unleashing
the screamer of all World Cup finals screamers (see screen grab), swerving
away from the diving Dino Zoff and going in off the inside of the post.
There was no way back for Italy now and the Netherlands had reached their
2nd successive World Cup final. Jan Neeskens said afterwards; "We have
had our good days and bad days, but I believe we became a real team again
in this match." BBC1 showed highlights with John Motson commentating.
Wed 21/06/1978 Austria 3 (Vogts(og),
Krankl 2) West Germany 2 (Rummenigge, Hölzenbein)
Group A (5:45pm bst)
ITV Highlights
Gerry Harrison
*Live on BBC1 from 5:30-7:35pm
with Barry Davies commentating, but hardly anybody could have been watching
as West Germany could only go through if they won by 5 clear goals AND
the ITV match ended in a draw. A double one-two between Dieter Müller
and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge down the right flank on 18 sent Rummenigge through
and he slipped the ball into the net for 1-0, but that's the way it stayed
until the break leaving the Germans needing at least 4 more goals in the
2nd half to have any chance of making the final. They might have been encouraged
early in the 2nd half when the scoreboard revealed that Holland and Italy
were level again but the German challenge was effectively snuffed out on
59 when Sepp Maier flapped at a cross from the right by Eduard Krieger
and an under pressure Bertie Vogts then turned the ball into his own net
for 1-1. On 66 Krieger sent in a ball from the left, Hans Krankl controlled
it mid-flight and then volleyed superbly into the net for 2-1 Austria.
On 72 West Germany were level, Rainer Bonhof swung in a free-kick from
the right and Bernd Hölzenbein towered above the line to head in for
2-2, but a late individual goal by Krankl on 87 denied West Germany a place
in the 3rd place play off, beating Rolf Rüssmann for pace down the
right, Krankl then cut inside past Manfred Kaltz before slipping the ball
under Maier to make it 3-2. It was the Austrians first victory over their
neighbours since 1931. This was also the last game for retiring West Germany
manager Helmut Schön after 14 years in charge; "I am utterly disappointed
- both about the outcome and about the way our team played. My team has
been too erratic in form to be called a world class side."
Group A Final Table
1. Netherlands +5 5
2. Italy
0 3
3. West Germany -1 2
4. Austria
-4 2
Wed 21/06/1978 Brazil 3 (Nelinho,
Roberto Dinamite 2) Poland 1 (Lato)
Group B (8:45pm bst)
ITV LIVE
Hugh Johns & Ian St. John
*Live on ITV from 8:15-10:45pm,
Brian Clough said that Poland would win (partly to keep in with the Polish
ladies at the cheese counter in his local Co-op) after remarking that if
the keepers Tomaszewski and Kukla were put together in a melting pot they
"wouldn't make a Central League goalkeeper". Brazil needed to win by as
many goals as possible to make Argentina's task more difficult when they
played their game later tonight. Poland, who had the backing of the locals,
needed to beat Brazil and then hope that Peru could pull off a miracle
and get a result against Argentina. Brazil, in change blue shirts, lost
Zico to an injury early in the game but on 13 they were awarded a direct
free-kick just outside the box to the right of the 'D' , Nelinho took a
few short steps and then blasted it into the top corner for 1-0. In the
final minute of the half Poland scored a seemingly inevitable equaliser,
Boniek and Denya interchanged passes to advance into the box, the ball
flicked up into the air causing a few moments of mass panic and the defence
couldn't clear properly, the ball then fell to Grzegorz Lato who simply
poked in from close range for the equaliser. Poland were on top early in
the 2nd half until the 58th minute when a clearance from the Polish box
fell to Jorge Mendonça on the edge of the area, his shot smacked
against the upright but fell kindly for Roberto Dinamite who stuck out
a leg to prod Brazil back into the lead at 2-1. Five minutes later there
was an incredible passage of play in which Brazil hit the woodwork three
times, Dirceu turning brilliantly on the right byline pulled it back to
Gil, he then squared to Mendonça who struck a shot against the foot
of the post, the rebound came back to Gil who blasted against the crossbar
and cannoned out to the left flank, Brazil retained possession and a cross
was headed away but fell to Gil whose long range effort again hit the woodwork
- bouncing back off the foot of the post, Roberto followed up and finally
thundered the ball into the net for 3-1. Brazil now appeared to have the
game won but ideally needed to improve their goal difference in the remaining
28 minutes, but it was Poland who created the best chances with Lato and
Denya missing from point blank range. Alan Weeks was the commentator for
BBC highlights.
Wed
21/06/1978 Argentina 6 (Kempes 2, Tarantini, Luque 2,
Houseman) Peru 0
Group B (11:15pm bst)
ITV Highlights
Martin Tyler
*Live on BBC1 from 10:45-1:00am
with David Coleman & Denis Law commentating. Argentina went into the
match needing to win by a 4 goal margin to overtake Brazil at the top of
the group. On the day before the match, the Brazilian press were making
claims that Peru keeper Quiroga (who had actually been born in Argentina)
had already been bribed to let in the required number of goals, but they
had also claimed that Mario Kempes had failed a drug test on the day before
the Brazil v Argentina game. Peru came very close to going ahead early
in the game, Juan Muñante beating the defence to a long ball into
the right hand channel, shaking off a challenge and chipping the keeper
to see his shot come back off the far post. Oblitas was also close before
a piece of Mario Kempes magic at the other end gave Argentina the lead
on 21, taking a return and skipping past a defender into the box and prodding
in for 1-0. Roared on by the home crowd Argentina continued to swarm forward
and Luque and Ortiz both had efforts which struck the woodwork in the space
of two minutes before a 2nd goal came on 43 when Tarantini headed in a
corner from the right. On 49 a free-kick crossed in from wide on the right
was nodded down by Kempes across the box, Bertoni played a short return
ball to leave Kempes with enough of a gap to find the back of the net from
close range - 3-0 and it now seemed inevitable that Argentina would succeed
in notching up the 4 goal win margin they required. The ecstatic home fans
only had to wait less than a minute for the all important 4th goal, Daniel
Passarella rose to meet a deep cross and Leopoldo Luque flung himself at
it to make sure it crossed the line with a diving header. On 67 Ortiz was
allowed to run to the left byline from where he pulled back a ball for
the freshly introduced substitute René Houseman who was left with
a simple task of getting a touch for number 5. A sixth goal on 72
came as a result of a blunder, Omar Larrosa robbed a dithering defender,
played a ball into the box for Luque where he was able to slip the ball
under the advancing Quiroga. The following day England manager Ron Greenwood
told a reporter; "There is no team in the world which could have stood
up to the onslaught Argentina mounted."
Group A Final Table
1. Argentina +8 5
2. Brazil
+5 5
3. Poland
-3 2
4. Peru
-10 0
Thu 22/06/1978 "World Cup '78"
*Brian Moore's round-up programmes went out at 1pm-2pm
and 5:15-5:45pm today, BBC1 had a "World Cup Report" at 6:46-7:06pm and
another edition on Friday at 7:00-7:30pm.
Sat 24/06/1978 "World of Sport"
*A final World Cup '78 slot
on "World of Sport" for Brian Moore at 12:35-12:55pm. BBC1 had a very brief
"World Cup Report" scheduled for inclusion on "Grandstand" at 4:55-5:00pm.
3rd/4th place play off
Sat 24/06/1978 Brazil 2 (Nelinho,
Dirceu) Italy 1 (Causio)
ITV LIVE (7pm bst)
Gerald Sinstadt & Ian St. John
*ITV had live coverage at 6:45-9:00pm, the match was
also shown live on BBC1 in the same time slot (6:45-9:00pm) with John Motson
commentating. Italy took the lead on 38, Paolo Rossi taking a pass wide
on the right, crossing deep where a backtracking Franco Causio headed in
for 1-0. Rossi should have made it two when put clear, he rounded the keeper
but hit the side-netting from an acute angle. Brazil had a goal ruled out
for handball before a splendid equaliser from Nelinho on 64, wickedly bending
in a shot from near the touchline on the right wing for one of the best
goals of the tournament. It was another fierce strike from outside the
box that gave Brazil the lead on 71, Mendonça attempted to chest
control a chip into the box but the ball bounced off him to Dirceu just
outside the 'D' who struck a half-volley which flew into the corner of
the net past the diving Zoff . Italy were close to levelling the scoreon
89 when a chipped free-kick was headed against the top of the crossbar
by Bettega. At full time Gerald Sinstadt declared that it was the best
3rd/4th place play-off match that he could remember and Brazil finished
as the only unbeaten side in the tournament. After the game both managers
called for a return to a knock-out quarter-final/semi-final stage.
The Final
Sun 25/06/1978 "Who'll Win The
World Cup?"
*ITV had a preview of the final at 2:15-3:15pm presented
by Brian Moore with Pat Crerand and Brian Clough.
Brian Moore introducing the
Sunday afternoon preview programme alongside Pat Crerand and Brian Clough
ITV's panel for the World Cup
final - Johan Cruijff, Kevin Keegan, Brian Clough and Pat Crerand
Sun 25/06/1978 Argentina 3 (Kempes
2, Bertoni) Netherlands 1 (Nanninga) *AET
ITV LIVE (7pm bst)
Hugh Johns & Jack Charlton
*Both ITV and BBC1 began their coverage at 6:15pm.
BBC1's broadcast was scheduled to end first at 9:15pm with ITV finishing
at 9:30pm, but both overran due to extra time. David Coleman, Bobby Charlton
& Ron Greenwood were the commentators on the BBC. The night was almost
as memorable for what happened prior to kick-off as the match itself, firstly
for the spectacular ticker-tape welcome which covered the edges of the
pitch with pieces of paper and secondly for the start of the game being
delayed by 10 minutes - Argentina having come out 5 minutes late leading
Hugh Johns to then surmise that the Dutch were countering the hosts' stalling
tactics by complaining about the ball as it was they who were seen to be
arguing with the referee, but it soon became clear that Argentina had in
fact complained about the protective plaster on Rene van der Kerkoff's
wrist which he had worn throughout the tournament after picking up an injury
in Holland's opening match against Iran. At one point the Dutch captain
Ruud Krol signalled for his team to leave the field and for a moment it
looked as though the match may not be played! Thankfully this gesture seemed
to do the trick and everybody was then ready to start the game. The incident
had clearly wound up the Dutch players and they made no attempt to disguise
their anger with some deliberate fouls in the opening minutes which set
the tone for an ill-tempered final. The first real chance fell to the Netherlands,
Arie Haan's free-kick on the left was met by Johnny Rep whose downward
header bounced just wide of the post with the keeper stood watching. Argentina
won a couple of free-kicks in good positions early in the game but came
closest when Jorge Olguín chipped a delightful ball into the box
from the right and captain Daniel Passarella raced ahead of the line to
volley a blistering effort inches over the bar. Rep came even closer at
the other end forcing a fabulous point-blank save out of Ubaldo Fillol
after a cross from the right had not been properly dealt with by his defence.
Co-commentator Jack Charlton became increasingly frustrated with the officials,
a number of dubious offside decisions were given against the Dutch and
two other promising attacks were stalled by blatant handballs - both committed
by Luis Galván who the referee failed to book. The opening goal
came on 37, Argentina building up play down the left, Ossie Ardiles then
striding forward and, as he fell to ground, prodding the ball through to
Leopoldo Luque, he in turn knocked a square ball to Mario Kempes in the
'D' who stole into the box between two defenders and then lunged and stretched
to slide the ball under the advancing Jan Jongbloed for 1-0. It might have
been two on 43 when Kempes chipped a free-kick into box and Passarella
had a free-header from the edge of the 6 yard area, but he directed it
straight at the keeper. A minute later there was almost a goal at the other
end, Neeskens towering to meet a cross from the left at the far post, heading
across the box to Rob Rensenbrink who might have done better than to merely
prod the ball into the path of the scrambling keeper who was able to block.
Arie Haan, scorer of memorable long range goals for the Dutch in the 2nd phase, had a go from distance early in the 2nd half, Fillol appeared to see it late but it was straight at him. Argentina had a good chance when Bertoni tricked his way past Krol on the right wing and played a perfect centre for the unmarked Luque in the middle, but Jongbloed flung himself at Luque's feet which was enough to put him off, he failed to get a touch and the ball carried on across the goal and ran out for a goalkick. From this point onwards Argentina faded as a threat and the Dutch began to apply the pressure - On 58 Rep was replaced by Dick Nanninga who gave the Dutch a more threatening aerial presence, on 66 a half-fit Ossie Ardiles was taken off for Omar Larrosa and the ITV panel later noted that Argentina then lost control of the midfield. On 75 there was lengthy delay when Neeskens and Tarantini clashed heads in the Argentine box, both sides had brought on their 2nd substitute just before the incident and so the injured pair had no choice but to carry on. On 82 the Dutch finally found the back of the net, Jan Poortvliet on the left played a ball to Haan in the central channel, he lobbed into space on the right side of the box where René van de Kerkhof was first to it and crossed for Naninga to rise above two defenders and head in with the keeper still making his way back across the line, 1-1. There was some confusion over the scorer, both Hugh Johns and David Coleman as well as the scoreboard credited Naninger but the TV director then captioned Poortvliet causing both commentators to 'correct' their original call. Argentina seemed to have nothing left in the tank with which to respond whilst the Dutch now had the wind in their sails and were clearly going for the victory, but Neeskens was then punched in the face by Passarella in an off the ball incident that was either not seen or overlooked by the officials, Neeskens needed lengthy treatment which broke up the momentum the Dutch had built up in the closing stages. Yet there was high drama in injury time when Holland came agonisingly close to winning the World Cup - A free-kick in the centre circle was kicked long up field, the ball dropped into the box to the right of goal, Rob Rensenbrink got to it ahead of both a defender and the keeper and his prod looked destined for goal before it bounced and hit the foot of the post. Had it gone in there would have been no time for Argentina to come back. Curiously TV viewers were not granted a replay. There were no adverts on ITV during the break between full-time and extra time, the face of each member of the panel was superimposed onto the live pictures from Estadio Monumental in the corner of the screen to give their opinion before Brian Moore informed viewers that the late film would be delayed by 35 minutes.
The first period of extra time was frantic with Argentina coming back into the game, yet neither side was able to create a clear opportunity until the final minute - A free-kick just inside Argentina's own half was pumped forward by Passarella, Bertoni on the left did well to shake off a defender and slip a neat ball into the path of Kempes, he used two skilful touches to get away from the first defender and then skip away from the challenge of the 2nd to take him into the box, Jongbloed came out to dive at the feet of Kempes whose finish was blocked, but the ball ricocheted back off Kempes, flicked up off the keeper's hand and then seemingly hung in the air in slow-motion as Poortvliet and Suurbier raced back and appeared to be favourites to knock the ball behind for a corner, but Kempes stuck out a high boot and got a touch to prod the bouncing ball in for 2-1. Knowing that the referee would blow for half-time of extra-time almost immediately after the re-start, the Dutch made an audacious attempt to score straight from the kick-off with a shot from the centre circle but it was off target. In the 2nd period the Dutch became frustrated as Argentina resorted to ridiculous levels of play acting and it was the hosts who created further chances with a 3rd goal arriving on 115 minutes - Bertoni playing a ball inside to invite Kempes to run directly at the wall of Dutch defenders, he then attempted to play a one-two on the edge of the box and almost got through but the ball did drop for Bertoni and with a suspicion of handball to aid his control Bertoni was able to stick it past Jongbloed and send the crowd into ecstasy. Argentina had won the World Cup for the first time whilst the Dutch had lost their 2nd successive final to the host nation.
General Jorge Videla, the president of Argentina, handed over the trophy to Passarella and the locals celebrated late into the night - Monday was declared a national holiday. The two goals in the final for Mario Kempes meant that he overtook Rob Rensenbrink and Teófilo Cubillas to finish the tournament as top scorer. Had the match ended in a draw after extra-time, a replay would have taken place on the following Tuesday night. Argentina's chain smoking manager Cesar Luis Menotti said afterwards; "We have shown that with talent, courage in attack and planning a team which knows how to attack can become world champions." The Dutch were furious with the performance of the referee who was reported to have awarded 48 free kicks to Argentina and 16 to Holland, Ernest Happel failed to attend the post match conference whilst the team refused to collect their runners-up medals.
Email
upthemaggies@hotmail.com
24.04.2022