The 1978 World Cup Final
Holland again reached the Final, though this time without
Johan Cruyff. They were playing Argentina in the River
Plate stadium in Buenos Aries.
The home crowd made the game
difficult for the Dutch, and there were some problems
before play started. Argentina came out of their dressing
room late, and then complained about a plaster cast
protecting the broken wrist of one of the Dutch players.
The game finally started ten minutes late, and the problems
seemed to upset the Dutch. They had a poor first half, and
in the 38th minute, Argentina took the lead with a goal
scored by Mario Kempes.
Unlucky Holland
In the second half Holland came back strongly. They did not
equalise until the 83rd minute header from substitute Dick
Nanninga. Holland continued to dominate and hit the post in
the last minute.
In extra-time Kempes scored a second goal and made another.
Argentina were champions – the third time in four
tournaments that the hosts had won the competition
