Every FIFA World Cup Winner Ranked From Worst To Best

When Argentina became champions in 1978, they were the fifth host nation to win the World Cup. It seems for football to come home, it helps to play at home.

Unfortunately, given the recent military coup in Argentina at the time, the tournament echoed Mussolini and the World Cup of 1934, as well as the infamous 1938 Berlin Olympics. Furthermore, suggestions of favourable refereeing for the hosts and with some games even being played at night so that Argentina knew their standings in the group, meant that the tournament is often deemed illegitimate by many outside of Argentina.

Nevertheless, Argentina made their way to the final where they faced the supremely talented Netherlands, who had lost the previous final against host nation West Germany.

The final sparked further controversy with the Netherlands believing that Argentina delayed kick off to fuel the already frenzied home crowd. Argentina won the match 3-1 after extra time, with Mario Kempes and Ossie Ardiles playing vital roles in a talented Argentinian side.

Whilst it is hard to look beyond the claims of corruption and bribery, not to mention the Dutch being clearly the better side, what remains irrefutable is that the Albiceleste picked up their first Jules Rimet Trophy.