One standout memory from the sepia-tinted memories of the 1978 FIFA World Cup is of the man with the wild hair. In fact he’s the only thing I remember about that world cup. Mario Kempes.
At the start of the 1978 FIFA World Cup, the spotlight was not really on Mario . Argentina had many stars, many expectations, and many nerves. Kempes himself began quietly, anonymously not seen much – nowhere. And then suddenly he seemed to be everywhere.
A tall figure with a mane of wild, untamed hair came charging through the defences of Poland and Peru – scoring two goals against each of those countries.
By the time Argentina faced the Netherlands in the final, he become the spirit of the tournament and the hope and hero of Argentina.It was his hour of glory. He never ever again lived up to the heights he achieved when he smashed up the Dutch defence, scored twice, and carried his country to a 3–1 victory.
He won the golden boot in the 1978 World Cup for the 6 goals he scored.3
Video here.. ( of the final )
This is what he looks like now.He lost that mane of hair somewhere along the way. He’s 71 and spends his time as a respected analyst for ESPN Deportes and as a football commentator.
More on his story here …