Zaire year 1978 Soccer – World Cup Argentina MNH stamps

Zaire year 1978 Soccer – World Cup Argentina MNH stamps

The 1978 FIFA World Cup, officially known as the 11th FIFA World Cup, was held in Argentina from June 1 to June 25, 1978. Here are some key points about the tournament:

1. Host Country: Argentina was selected as the host nation for the 1978 World Cup, marking the first time the tournament was held in South America since 1962 (Chile).
2. Format: The tournament featured 16 teams divided into four groups of four teams each. The top two teams from each group advanced to the second round, which consisted of two groups of four teams each. The winners of each second-round group advanced to the final, while the runners-up played in the third-place playoff.
3. Winners: Argentina emerged as the champions of the 1978 World Cup, winning their first-ever World Cup title. They defeated the Netherlands 3-1 after extra time in the final match, which was held at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
4. Golden Boot: Mario Kempes of Argentina won the Golden Boot award as the tournament’s top scorer, scoring a total of six goals throughout the competition.
5. Controversies: The 1978 World Cup was not without controversy. There were allegations of political interference and human rights abuses in Argentina leading up to and during the tournament, with the military dictatorship of the time using the event for propaganda purposes. Additionally, there were controversial refereeing decisions during certain matches.
6. Legacy: Despite the controversies surrounding the tournament, the 1978 World Cup left a lasting legacy in Argentina and around the world. It was a significant moment of pride for the Argentine people, as their national team won the tournament on home soil for the first time.