World Cup:
1978
In 1976 a military government took power in Argentina. Two
years later the country held the World Cup. FIFA was very
worried about the security situation and some countries
like Holland considered boycotting the competition. In the
end the only major football nation not to take part was
England, who again failed to qualify.
The format of the 1974
World Cup was repeated in 1978. Fifteen teams joined
Argentina the first World Cup held in South America
since 1962.
The World Cup finalists from the previous tournament in
1974, West Germany and Holland arrived in Argentina without
their captains Cruyff and Beckenbauer. Other pre-tournament
favourites included the hosts, Italy, and Brazil.
Scotland
shock
There was a major shock in one of the early group games
when Peru beat Scotland 4-1. The situation for Scotland
quickly became worse. Their winger Willy Johnston was sent
home after a positive drug test, and they drew their second
game with Iran. Although they beat Holland 3-2 in their
third match, they failed to qualify for the second stage on
goal difference.
Brazil were in a group with Austria, Sweden and Spain. In
their first match against Sweden there was a very strange
decision by Welsh referee Clive Thomas. At the end of the
first half he gave Brazil a corner.
They took it and Zico scored - but the referee did not
allow the goal. He had blown his whistle while the ball was
travelling from the corner flag to the penalty area. Mr
Thomas did referee another World Cup
match.