Fifa World Cup 1978 - Host Nation Argentina

Argentina hosted the first World Cup in South America since 1962. For most people this World Cup will be remembered for the ticker tape flowing down from the stands and great crowds and atmosphere at the games.

This World Cup was all about attractive football and some of the names that rose to the top of the pile included, Hans Krankl, Paolo Rossi, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Kenny Dalglish and Johan Neeskens, Mario Alberto Kempes who was the star of the Argentinean team.

Argentina made home advantage count and with fantastic displays from Fillol's great goalkeeping, Passarella's leadership in defence and Ardiles' tireless running and the great goal scoring from Kempes all made up to Argentina's first World Cup triumph.

After a slow start Kempes began scoring in the vital matches in the second phase and scored twice and set up the third goal when Argentina beat the Netherlands in the final. Once again the finalists Netherlands ended up losing the final to a host nation.

Some of the up and coming teams were Spain and France. Brazil went a long way in the tournament and only lost out getting to the final on goal difference and went through the finals without losing.

Argentina 1978 was a really good World Cup with lots of great stars producing their very best with lots of great action.