sport news Holland v Argentina: How a bitter backdrop to the 1978 World Cup final sparked ... trends now

sport news Holland v Argentina: How a bitter backdrop to the 1978 World Cup final sparked ... trends now
sport news Holland v Argentina: How a bitter backdrop to the 1978 World Cup final sparked ... trends now

sport news Holland v Argentina: How a bitter backdrop to the 1978 World Cup final sparked ... trends now

Whether it is the flowing mane of Mario Kempes, tickertape streamers and confetti or Dennis Bergkamp's artistic act of revenge, Argentina against the Netherlands conjures vivid World Cup images.

The bore draw in the downpour in Sao Paulo maybe not so much. The Dutch lost on penalties in 2014, a semi-final barely worth committing to memory but still stirring the blood of Louis van Gaal.

'We have a score to settle,' rapped Van Gaal this week. He was in charge eight years ago and is back at the helm as the countries collide on Friday for the sixth edition of a World Cup rivalry that caught hold in the second, the final in Buenos Aires in 1978. Argentina's finest hour in one respect, their first world title but their greatest shame in others with a chilling backdrop and a blind eye from FIFA, of which there are echoes in Qatar.

Louis van Gaal said Holland had a 'score to settle' with Argentina ahead of this weekend's clash

Louis van Gaal said Holland had a 'score to settle' with Argentina ahead of this weekend's clash

Holland were torn over whether to even send their team, influenced by a strong campaign to boycott based upon human rights abuses by General Jorge Rafael Videla's ruling military junta.

They had been the best international team in the world for years, driven by the Total Football hatched from the Ajax hat-trick of European titles (1971-73) the genius of Johan Cruyff and overcoming the heartache of losing the final to West Germany in 1974.

Cruyff and Willem van Hanegem opted out, although neither in protest. Van Hanegem was in dispute with manager Ernst Happel and unwilling to travel. Cruyff revealed many years later that he had withdrawn after a robbery and kidnap attempt at his home in Barcelona.

Nevertheless, the Dutch were installed as favourites when they decided to go. By the time they reached the final, however, they suspected the outcome was already determined.

Holland were defeated by Argentina 3-1 in the 1978 World Cup final in Buenos Aires

Holland were defeated by Argentina 3-1 in the 1978 World Cup final in Buenos Aires

However, that game was marred by a backdrop of kidnap dictators, bribes and doping

However, that game was marred by a backdrop of kidnap dictators, bribes and doping

General Jorge Rafael Videla (centre) was the dictator in control of Argentina at the time

General Jorge Rafael Videla (centre) was the dictator in control of Argentina at the time

'Everyone told us Argentina should be world champions by hook or by crook,' winger Rene van der Kerkhof once said. There had been accusations of doping and conspiracy theories around Argentina's 6-0 win against Peru when they needed four goals to reach the final. Among other things, Videla is alleged to have visited the Peruvian dressing room before the game in the company of US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, promising a grain shipment in return for a favourable result.

On the day of the final, the Dutch team's bus took a long and unexpected detour through crowded streets on its way to El Monumental and Argentina kept them waiting on the pitch for five minutes before the game.

When they finally made it out of the tunnel,

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