In 1982 Spain hosted the 12th World Cup Tournament. After a 44 year wait Italy won their third title defeating West Germany 3-1 in the final. In 1982 the number of teams that qualified for the tournament changed from 16 to 24. The number of groups increased from 4 groups of 4 to 6 groups of 4. The top 2 teams in each group moved onto the second round where they were placed in one of four groups each with three teams. The top team in each group advanced to the knockout stage. In the first round Italy was placed in Group 1 with Cameroon, Peru and Poland. Italy managed to tie each of the teams in their group and finished in second place. They became the first team in World Cup history to advance from the first round without winning a game. In the second round Italy was placed in Group C with Argentina and Brazil. Italy's play improved from their first round performance and it showed as Italy defeated both teams. In the Knockout stage Italy drew Poland, which they defeated and that sent them to the final against West Germany. Italian striker Paolo Rossi finished the tournament with 6 goals giving him the Golden Boot for top scorer of the tournament. He was also given the Golden Ball award for being named the best player of the tournament. He became only the second person to win the World Cup, Golden Boot and Golden Ball in the same year. Below is list of the players that participated in the tournament, goals they scored and the results of each match the team played.

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