1978 FIFA World Cup qualification 723 goals were scored (an average of 2.87 per match). To see the dates and results of the qualification rounds for each continental zone, click on the following articles: The teams would play against each other on a home-and-away basis. The winner would qualify. <onlyinclude> </onlyinclude> The following 16 teams qualified for the 1978 FIFA World Cup: (h) - qualified automatically as hosts (c) - qualified automatically as defending champions "5 of the 16 teams subsequently failed to qualify for the 1982 finals: Iran, Mexico, Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia." 1978 FIFA World Cup qualification A total of 107 teams entered
1978 FIFA World Cup Group A half Arie Haan was cautioned for a challenge on Marco Tardelli who later also picked up a yellow card meaning he too would miss Italy's next match. Some felt that Antonio Cabrini's challenge on Haan many felt warranted a red card, not just a yellow. Shortly after half time Brandts, who earlier scored an own goal blasted home a shot to equalizes. Than fourteen minutes from time Haan hit an audacious shot 30 yards out that went off Zoff's left post an into the net. 1978 FIFA World Cup Group A Group A of the 1978 FIFA World Cup was