Italy emerges victor in World Cup soccer

By With Analysis From Monitor Correspondents Around The World; Edited By Anne Shutt

July 12, 1982

Madrid

Italy came out on top in the 24-team, month-long World Cup soccer tournament Sunday, defeating West Germany 3-1.

In a decisive victory, Italy emerged the first European nation to win the three times the World Cup, emblematic of world soccer supremacy. Its last victory was in 1938. West Germany won the cup last in 1974 and hadn't lost to European competition during 32 games over the last four years.