12th FIFA World Cup in Spain23.5.1980

The 1982 FIFA World Cup, the 12th FIFA World Cup, was held in Spain from 13 June to 11 July 1982. However, this FDC and stamps were issued in 1980 as a prelude to the WC82 which was held two years later.

The tournament was won by Italy, after defeating West Germany 3–1 in the final. It was Italy's third World Cup win and first since 1938. The holders Argentina were eliminated in the second group round. Algeria, Cameroon, Honduras, Kuwait and New Zealand made their first appearances in the finals.

The tournament's top scorer was Paolo Rossi of Italy with six goals, including a hat-trick in a second group game against Brazil and one in the final.

In the first round of Group 3, Hungary defeated El Salvador 10–1, tying the largest margin of victory ever recorded in the finals (Hungary over Korea 9–0 in 1954, and Yugoslavia over Zaire 9–0 in 1974). The tournament was also notable for the first ever penalty shoot-out in a World Cup finals tournament, with West Germany beating France 5–4 on penalties after a dramatic 3–3 draw in the semi-finals in a match often regarded as one of the best World Cup games of all time.

Thank you Maria.