(89) {{U}}Having reached the final in 1930, Argentina had to wait a while before winning the FIFA World Cup, which they eventually did on their own soil in 1978.{{/U}} The great support for the home team helped carry them to victory over the Netherlands in final.
(90) {{U}}Argentina was outplayed by Italy in the opening round group games, but charged back to reach the final with a 6-0 win over Peru.{{/U}} In Daniel Passarella, Osvaldo Ardites and Mario Kempes, top scorer with six goals, they had outstanding players. They beat the Dutch 3-1 after extra time in the final.
A long-awaited success
Rarely has the run-up to a FIFA World Cup been so filled with controversy as the 11 th tournament (比赛), held in Argentina. Football, in fact, took a back seat as many nations were debating whether or not to boycott the tournament in protest against General Videla's totalitarian regime (极权主义政权) and its violation of human rights. (91) {{U}}Finally, however, despite a widespread call to stay away, the world's footballing nations all made the trip to Argentina.{{/U}} All, that is, except those that had failed to qualify, such as England (for the second time running), Yugoslavia and the USSR. (92) {{U}}Other "minor" footballing nations such as Iran and Tunisia had their first outings and France was back in the world's top football competition after twelve years in the wilderness.{{/U}}
But for its reappearance at the highest level, the French team--coached by Michel Hidalgo--made an unexceptional comeback, beaten 1-2 by both Italy and Argentina. (93) {{U}}Michel Platini and his team-mates failed to reach the second round despite defeating Hungary_ 3-1 in their last game.{{/U}}