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There is little doubt that the match between Argentina and Perú in the 1978 World Cup left a bitter taste. To some it absolutely reeked. However, the full truth about the ‘fix’ may never emerge, but enough has to expose it as one of the most despicable deals in football history.

The match between Perú and Argentina in the 1978 World Cup is one of the most talked about and scandalous in the history of the World Cup – football even. Argentina won 6-0, amid accusations of bribery: corruption, intimidation or worse.

Back in 1970 Brasil needed the joy of the World Cup triumph to forget the horrors of General Emílio Garrastazu Médici’s rule even for a few days. He used and abused the triumph for his own ends, but some people knew Médici for the tyrant he was. Pelé took an England player aside during the 1970 World Cup and told him: “Our country is ruled by despicable people.”