On April 2, 37 years ago, Pakistan became the first hockey team to win a World Cup twice. Little did they know that their style of play would inspire hosts Argentina to their first FIFA World Cup triumph a few months later.

The 16-member World Cup-winning Pakistan hockey team pictured at the Polo Ground, Buenos Aires, Argentina. — Photo from the Dawn Archives

1971, 1978, 1982 and 1994. Four moments in history that are etched into the minds of Pakistan hockey followers.

Pakistan's record of four World Cup titles still stands today despite the Greenshirts winning their last title 20 years ago; such was their class, such was the passion for the game.

After finishing in fourth place in 1973 and as runners up in 1975, Islahuddin's side set the 1978 tournament ablaze reclaiming the crown on a back of an unbeaten run which culminated in their final against the Netherlands on April 2.

Pakistan scored a whopping 35 goals in the tournament, a difference of 15 from their effort in 75.

Pakistan's World Cup final hero, Ehsanullah

Excerpts from Dawn's report on the 1978 World Cup triumph

BUENOS AIRES: Pakistan won the Fourth Hockey World Cup beating Holland by three goals to two at the Polo Ground and thus became the first country to win the the trophy twice. Pakistan had first won the Cup in its inaugural year in 1971. In a game of fluctuating fortunes, Pakistan came from behind to beat the Dutch in the last five minutes of the game. The winning goal, the only one from a penalty corner in the match, was scored by Ehsanullah, a last minute inclusion in the Pakistan team following injury to right full Mansurl Hassan. The Argentine crowd was partial to the Pakistanis, so well they had played throughout the tournament. And after the Pakistanis had got the deciding goal, the crowd began shouting that time was over even though a minute remained. Akhtar Rasool, Islahuddin, Ties Kruize and Paul Litjens, the highest scorer of the tournament, got the other goals of the match.

1978 World Cup journey as narrated by the squad members to Shazia Hasan

Qamar Zia (former goalkeeper) on the support back home

I remember our flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina for the 1978 Hockey World Cup. It was 48 hours long with several stopovers, of course. We were so tired on reaching our destination. But at the hotel there were already messages for us. People back home wanted to know if we had arrived safely. They said they were praying for us. It was so sweet; it made us feel as if our entire nation was with us in that alien land. It gave us a lot of encouragement and ego boost. The phone calls and messages from home continued throughout our stay.

Knowing today’s hockey players, such gestures would only make them feel pressured. And they just can’t handle pressure. That is the difference between the players of today and yesteryear!

‘Flying Horse’ Samiullah on how the 1978 Pakistan team inspired Argentina

I have been lucky enough to feature several Hockey World Cups including the 1978 Cup and the 1982 Cup, which we won.

When we played in Argentina in the 1978 Cup, the people in that country had not even heard of Pakistan. They thought we were some part of India playing independently in the tournament. It was only after our first match in which we beat Ireland 9-0 that they really enjoyed the game and wanted to know more about Pakistan.

Around two months after the Hockey World Cup, Argentina also hosted the FIFA World Cup. César Luis Menotti, coach of the Argentinian football team, said during an interview that he wanted his team to play on the pattern of the Pakistan field hockey team. And that is how they won the FIFA World Cup.

Players from Pakistan and the Netherlands in action during the final. — Photo from the Dawn Archives

Pakistan's captain Islahuddin with the World Cup trophy. — Photo from the Dawn Archives