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Bio:
During his club career he won 43 caps for Argentina and scored 20 times. He represented his country in three World Cups in 1974, 1978 and 1982, winning the competition in 1978. He was the leading goalscorer in the 1978 tournament, scoring six goals in three braces: the first two in Argentina’s first semi-final group stage match against Poland, another two against Peru, and the last two in the final against the Netherlands, which Argentina won 3–1.
His second goal, in the 105th minute, was the game winner in extra time. However, in the same tournament, he notoriously stopped a goal with his hand in a second-round match against Poland.[4] This resulted in a penalty kick that was promptly saved by Ubaldo Fillol.[5] His goals in the 1978 World Cup Final were his last for Argentina at the age of just 23.
In 1978, he was named South American Football Player of the Year (“El Mundo,” Caracas, Venezuela). He was named by Pelé as one of the top 125 greatest living footballers in March 2004
Factfile:
- Full Name: Mario Alberto Kempes Chiodi
- Position: Forward
- Date of Birth: 15.07.1954
- Birthplace: Bell Ville
- Nation: Argentina
- Full Caps: 43
- Major League Career
- 1973-76, Rosario Central (107/85)
- 1976-81, Valencia (142/95)
- 1981-82, River Plate (29/15)
- 1982-84, Valencia (42/21)
- 1984-86, Hercules (38/10)
- More Facts
- Photo Gallery
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