A few days before the 40th anniversary of Argentina's first World Cup title and the legendary 6-0 victory against Peru (which secured their place in the final against the Netherlands), controversy seems to resurface. The resounding result of 1978 sparked so many unconfirmed suspicions that it became a myth.
According to these legends, politics would have been behind such an unquestionably favorable result for the host team, during the dictatorship of Rafael Videla (and just when Peru was going through a similar situation with Francisco Morales Bermúdez).
Today, however, a statement from José Velásquez, former Peruvian national team player who played in that Argentina - Peru match in Rosario, reopens the book. According to the 'Patrón' in an interview with Trome, six of his teammates "sold out" and he even mentioned four names, including Ramón Quiroga, former goalkeeper and now commentator.
"It is a reality that the leaders sold out and many have investigated, there are even books written. Just because I don't have evidence doesn't mean it didn't happen. And six players also sold out," said the 65-year-old former footballer.
"I can only name four, because there are two others who are famous and I could damage their careers. The players who sold out were Rodulfo Manzo, Raúl Gorriti, Juan José Muñante, and Ramón Quiroga," he added. Before that match, he himself asked that Quiroga not be fielded.
“Why did we want Quiroga not to play? He was Argentine and they were going to approach and threaten him, and we wanted to protect him in some way. Six players gathered to tell coach Marcos Calderón not to field Ramón Quiroga and he agreed," he recounted.
"The next day, the first thing he did was put him on the field. What can you think? Did he sell out or not?" he said. Strong words from a great player.
