This month we have the final part of the Argentina 78 retrospective.  The format of the competition – a second group stage, with the winners of the two groups reaching the final – is already under scrutiny and this will intensify as this second batch of groups conclude. 

In Group A, the Netherlands finally find their form, to reach the final at the expense of Italy, who are unable to build on their excellent first round.  Meanwhile, West Germany, unable to find a win, surrender their crown, with Austria gleefully knocking the final nail in the coffin of their mighty neighbours. 

However, it’s Group B that provides us with the major controversies, as the group climaxes with Argentina thrashing Peru 6-0 to reach the final, at the expense of an embittered Brazil.  Were the Peruvians bribed?  Did they merely capitulate in the face of the hostile Argentinian crowd?  What role, if any, did South American politics play? What went down in the Peruvian dressing room when Henry Kissinger and General Videla popped in for a visit?  Will we ever know the truth?

Then we have the World Cup Final, when Argentina resort to underhand tactics to try and undermine the Dutch.  However, the key to the final is Mario Kempes, who flourishes on the biggest stage of all.

Thanks to https://nationalanthems.info/ for the Argentinian national anthem.

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