Every FIFA World Cup Ranked From Worst To Best

While the iconic images of Argentina’s ticker tape-led celebrations after lifting the trophy in 1978 remains among the most abiding memories of the World Cup, the tournament itself was not exactly fun and games for everyone involved.

With Argentina’s government overthrown by a military junta in the months running up to the finals, an uneasy atmosphere hanged over proceedings.

Matters were hardly helped by the absence of the world’s best player, Johan Cruyff, who along with his family, were later revealed as the victims of an attempted kidnapping which saw them tied up and held at gunpoint before they somehow managed to escape.

In his absence, Holland still impressed enough to reach a second consecutive final but ultimately lost out to the hosts, who triumphed 3-1 after extra time.

La Albiceleste may have been deserved winners, scoring 15 goals and conceding just four on their way to the trophy, but they benefited from some dubious refereeing decisions and a couple of questionable scorelines – not least the 6-0 win they racked up over Peru that saw them reach the final at Brazil’s expense.

Even the final itself was a frustrating watch. Knowing the importance of the victory, Argentina used every trick in the book to win, with gamesmanship triumphing over Total Football on the day.