AT last, Argentina got the opportunity to host the World Cup finals despite the fact that the country was in turmoil, the national economy was in ruins and the cost of staging such a tournament was thought to be likely to bankrupt the nation.

Once again, England didn't qualify - the victims of goal difference against Italy - and so it was left to Scotland to carry the British flag.

Scotland were very optimistic of their chances and why not, with players of the quality of Kenny Dalglish, Archie Gemmill, Bruce Rioch and Joe Jordan in the squad.

They were sound all-round and manager Ally McLeod had a tartan army of support in South America to cheer Scotland on.

They were in an easy group too.

Peru and Iran didn't look too difficult and the Scots were expected to qualify for the next stage with Holland.

Perhaps it was all too easy.

Scotland took the lead against Peru, then they went to pieces as they took their foot off the gas and back came Peru to win 3-1 with two magical goals from Cubilas.

Willie Johnstone was sent home when he failed a random drugs test and matters got even worse when Scotland were held to a 1-1 draw against Iran.

Some pride was salvaged with the 3-2 win against Holland and the never-to-be-forgotten goal by Archie Gemmill, but it wasn't enough and Scotland were back on the plane home to Glasgow. As expected, the semi-finals threw together Holland, Brazil, Argentina and Italy.

Brazil and Italy battled it out for third place and in a very entertaining match, Brazil won by two goals to one.

That set up a South America versus Europe final between Holland and Argentina.

Argentina's final place was gained amid enormous disagreement.

Brazil and Argentina had the same number of points after the second round.

So, it was all down to the last two matches, Brazil v Poland and Argentina v Peru.

It amazed everyone that FIFA didn't demand that both matched kick off at the same time, but Brazil v Poland started first.

After Brazil won 3-1, the Argentina v Peru match kicked off later so that Argentina knew that they had to win by four goals.

Argentina won 6-0 but the fingers pointed at the Peruvian goalkeeper Quiroga, who was born in Argentina.

The final was a classic.

Mario Kempes put Argentina in front just before half-time and despite enormous pressure from the Dutch they hung on until eight minutes from time.

Rene van der Kerkoff broke away and played in a cross which was headed home by Nanninga.

With seconds remaining Holland thought that they had clinched it, but Rensenbrink's shot came back off the post and so the match went into extra-time.

From then on it was no contest as Kempes went on a solo run, beating man after man before delivering a shot past Jongbloed.

He added a third to giftwrap it all in pale blue and white.

The confetti flowed from the tall buildings of Buenos Aires into the streets as the Argentines celebrated their success.

It had all promised to be a nightmare, but in the end it was a dream for the host nation.

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