Production
Argentina, as hosts in 1978, were under great pressure to succeed. Amidst passionate supporters, they progressed to the finals with a wonderful blend of attacking football and tough defending. The unlucky Dutch, now lacking Cruyffs' sublime skills, were the fall guys once again in the Final, losing 3-1 in a classic clash of styles. This 1991 reedited version omits controversial interviews from the 1978 original "Copa 78 - O Poder do Futebol", while also including additional television footage of the tournament and newly dubbed English narration instead of the original Spanish.
Documentary about the Football World Cup held in Argentina in 1978, focusing on the competition and behind the scenes of the most important soccer competition in the world. Two versions of the 1978 official film exist, the first "Copa 78 - O Poder do Futebol" was made by Brazilian directors MaurĂcio Sherman and Victor di Mello in 1979 but was later withdrawn by FIFA because of its controversial content. The film includes an interview with Rodolfo Galimberti, one of the leaders of the Montoneros guerrilla group and also made accusations that the Argentinian competition organisation committee had deliberately hindered Brazilian chances of success by tampering with the pitch at Mar del Plata.
One of the most daring and radical shows presented in Brazilian television: "Abertura". It was broadcast between February and October, 1979, with weekly editions, presented by Brazilian filmmaker Glauber Rocha. The video is a compilation of characters, statements, and interviews about the political and cultural situation of the country during the final stages of the Military Dictatorship.
