History of the FIFA World Cup - 1982 FIFA World Cup
1982 FIFA World Cup was held in Spain, and was the 12th World Cup contested. 24 teams competed in the tournament, which was 8 more than the previous one. Italy won the World Cup, winning 3-1 against West Germany, and equalled their titles with Brazil. Italy also became the first team to advance into the next round without winning a single match.
Paolo Rossi won the first ever Golden Ball award, which was given to the best player of the tournament. He was the tournament’s top scorer as well and subsequently won the Golden Boot award. It was the first World Cup in which teams from all six football confederations participated.
This was the only World Cup which played with a particular format introduced for only this World Cup. Teams were divided into six groups of four each. Two teams from each groups qualified to the next round, where they were again split into four groups, with three teams each. The top teams from these groups played for the semi finals.
In round 2, Poland, USSR and Belgium were grouped together, with Poland qualifying. West Germany surpassed the threat from the English as well as hosts, Spain. Italy breezed through from their group, even though they faced tough opponents in the form of Argentina and Brazil. France qualified from their groups, when they overcame Austria and Northern Ireland, which was easiest of the groups.
Italy defeated Poland in the first semi final, following two goals from Paolo Rossi, and secured a spot in the final. France met West Germany, with Germans taking an early lead in the 17th minute. The French came back with a quick equalizer only nine minutes later via a penalty. There were no further goals as the game went on to extra time. France scored at the 92nd minute, when Marius Tresor scored from a volley. Six minutes later, Alain Giresse put the French into a 3-1 lead, scoring from 18 meters. Germany however did not give up and in the 102nd minute scored to get back into the match. Four minutes later, the Germans equalized, taking the match into a penalty shootout.
This was Germany’s first ever World Cup penalty shootout. Germany scored 5 out of 5 penalties. Schumacher, the German goal keeper, stepped in and stopped the next French penalty to put the match into the balance. Schumacher was not done yet, and saved another penalty from defender Bossis to give Germany the advantage. Hrubesch did not falter, and scored, winning 4-5 on penalties, and setting up a final against Italy.
The final was set up between two European powerhouses, Italy and West Germany. The first half went goalless. Italy had the chance to go in front via a penalty, but Cabrini failed to convert. Italy however played the better game, and scored the first goal from the in-form Paolo Rossi. The Italians scored twice more on counter attack, as they found the German weakness, which was their defence. Whenever Germans went forward to attack, Italy dispossessed them and threatened them on counter attack. This gave the Italians the confidence, and enjoyed a firm 3-0 lead. Germany sought to come back, and in the 83rd minute, Paul Breitner scored but it was too little too late for the Germans. Italy won the match 3-1, and claimed their 3rd title in almost 44 years. Italy’s counter attacking football became the key factor in their World Cup campaign and used this signature style to capture one more trophy to make it four.
Poland met a much disappointed, dejected and exhausted French side in a third place match. French were emotional from their defeat on penalties against the Germans, and never looked confident in the match. Poland took advantage of that, and won 3-2 on the day. This was Poland’s best ever performance in the World Cup, as they became the third best team of the World.
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