Rwanda year 1982 stamps – World Football Championship in Spain MNH

Rwanda year 1982 stamps – World Football Championship in Spain ☀ MNH **

The 1982 FIFA World Cup, officially known as the 1982 FIFA World Cup Spain, was the 12th edition of the FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football championship contested by the men’s national teams of the member associations of FIFA. The tournament took place in Spain from June 13 to July 11, 1982. Here are some key highlights from the event:

1. Host Country: Spain was selected as the host nation for the 1982 World Cup, marking the first time the tournament was held in Spain and the first time it was held in Southern Europe.
2. Format: The tournament featured 24 teams divided into six groups of four teams each. The top two teams from each group advanced to the second round, which consisted of four groups of three teams each. The winners of each second-round group advanced to the semifinals.
3. Surprises and Upsets: The 1982 World Cup featured several surprising results and upsets. Defending champions Argentina were eliminated in the second group stage, finishing bottom of their group. Similarly, Brazil, who were considered one of the tournament favorites, failed to advance past the second round.
4. Italy’s Triumph: The tournament culminated in a final match between Italy and West Germany, held at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid. Italy emerged as the champions, defeating West Germany 3-1 to win their third World Cup title. Paolo Rossi was the star of the tournament for Italy, winning the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer.
5. Legacy: The 1982 World Cup is remembered for its entertaining and attacking football, as well as for introducing the format of 24 teams and three points for a win in the group stage. It also marked the beginning of Spain’s transformation into a footballing powerhouse, with the country later hosting the 1986 World Cup and winning the tournament in 2010.

Overall, the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain was a memorable event that showcased the best of international football and left a lasting legacy on the sport.