Similarly, Argentina won under intense pressure in 1978 against the Netherlands amid heavy crowd intimidation and scheduling delays.
In 1990, host nation dynamics shifted when Argentina faced Italy in Naples, where local hero Diego Maradona attempted to utilize regional divisions.
"After so many racisms, only now do they rush to remember that Naples is part of Italy," said Diego Maradona, Argentina captain.
Maradona criticized how the northern part of the country treated Neapolitan citizens before asking for national support.
"Now, after they have slapped the Neapolitans in every possible way, someone tells them that they are Italians, that only Italy counts.
It is incredible, absurd, offensive," said Maradona.
Argentina ultimately eliminated Italy on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
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More recent tournaments saw France claim its first title at home in 1998, while South Korea made a surprising run to the semifinals in 2002, disrupting traditional powerhouses Italy and Spain along the way.
