The Olympic champions, Poland, who had eliminated England in the qualifiers, finished top of Group 4 with maximum points and eliminated Italy in the process. Haiti appeared for the first time after winning the 1973 CONCACEF championship (which doubled as the World Cup qualifying tournament), held in Port-au-Prince.
You are welcome to contact me with corrections or additions.
1974 Overview | Group 1 | Group 2 | Group 3 | Group 4 | Final Group Stage
Italy
Haiti
Italy attacked constantly in the first half but heroic goal keeping by Henry Francillon kept them out. Immediately after half-time Emmanuel Sanon ran on to a through ball after an Italian attack had broken down and, despite having his shirt practically pulled off his back, rounded the Italian 'keeper to put Haiti ahead. Rivera, Benetti and Anastasi made sure there would be no repeat of 1966.
Poland
Argentina
Poland stunned Argentina with two early goals in less than a minute, the result of goal keeping and defensive errors. Heredia pulled one back after a marvelous, flowing move on the hour but two minutes later Lato scored his second to make it 3-1. Babington made it 3-2 minutes after that but Poland held on.
Argentina
Italy
Houseman scored from close range for Argentina in the 20th minute after running on to a through ball into the box. Italy surged forward looking for the equaliser which came 15 minutes later when Perfumo diverted the ball past his own goalkeeper.
Poland
Haiti
Poland took Haiti apart, Szarmach getting a hat-trick.
Argentina
Haiti
Argentina secured second place in the group with two goals in each half for a comfortable win.
Poland
Italy
Poland demonstrated their class and knocked Italy out of the World Cup. Szarmach and Deyna scored their goals late in the first half and they relied on their defence to keep Italy out after the break. Fabio Capello scored Italy's only goal with five minutes to go.