THE SPORTING SCENE about the World Cup of 1978 soccer tournament in Buenos Aires. Discusses Argentina's rocky political and economic history, particularly the chaotic years under Juan Peron, his wife Isabelita, and under the military junta, with Jorge Rafael Videla as President. Tells about the Montoneros, members of the Peronist left, who conducted assassinations and kidnappings while Peron was away and who were tagged as terrorists and subversives and were ruthlessly hunted down. Tells about how people in Buenos Aires live in fear of disappearing. Tells about Buenos Aires, whose nine million inhabitants account for more than a third of the population of Argentina. Tells how Buenos Aires is a city of immigrants who have not yet blended together. Quotes writer Jorge Luis Borges, and others, about life in Buenos Aires. Discusses the intense interest of Argentines in the games, which gave relief from the atmosphere of fear. Discusses inflation which has run so high that for many life is a daily struggle to survive. Tells about the inaugural ceremony attended by President Videla who plans to resign from the Army in August and rule as a civilian President. Tells about the games played in the World Cup which requires that team players be citizens of the country they represent. Discusses how teams from various countries played. Tells how when Argentina won against Peru, the whole population of Buenos Aires poured out onto the streets. Tells how Argentina won the championship from the Dutch.