1978 World Cup: Italy vs Brazil (Part 9)

Third place matches are seldom worth watching, but the bronze match of the 1978 World Cup in Argentina is one of the great exceptions. In fact, it is one of the best matches of that sublime tournament. Italy had been playing beautiful football from their first match where they beat the strong French, then demolished Hungary and a 67th minute goal by the great Roberto Bettega saw off hosts Argentina to top Group 1. A goal-less yet thrilling draw with West Germany in Group A of the Second Round and a 1-0 win over Austria left Italy needing to beat the mighty and skillful Dutch and they came close, but Arie Haan's now-legendary 42-yard shot ended the 40-year hopes of the Azzurri winning their third World Cup, but Spain '82 was beckoning!

Brazil had gotten off to a sluggish start, drawing with an improving Spanish side and the robust Swedes. Roberto Dinamite's 40th minute goal against the excellent Austrians saved them from an embarrassing early exit. Once in Group B of the Second Round, they dramatically improved with a skillful 3-0 win over the equally skillful Peru. A goal-less encounter with Argentina and a classy 3-1 win over a fine Polish side meant that the hosts needed to beat Peru by four goals, which the did to much controversy.

And so, with two very polished sides narrowly squeezed out, the stage was set in the Estadio José Amalfitani in Buenos Aires with 70,000 in attendance (a staggering figure for a Bronze match) between the two great rivals of Europe and Latin America. Flowing, aggressive play is evident from the kick-off from both sides, Italy score first through Causio, but the second half sees the great Dino Zoff beaten once more by two amazing goals, the second set by 1970 winner, Roberto Rivelino in his final World Cup appearance.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• 1978
• World
• Cup
• Italy
• Italia
• Brazil
• Brasil
• Dino
• Zoff
• Gaetano
• Scirea
• Claudio
• Gentile
• Roberto
• Bettega
• Paolo
• Rossi
• Dirceu
• Nelinho
• Rivelino