Sport

The 1978 FIFA World Cup was held in Argentina between June 1 & 25, 1978. Coverage was shared by BBC and ITV.

The BBC's World Cup Grandstand was introduced by Frank Bough and commentary and expert opinion came from the likes of Jimmy Hill, Jock Stein, Lawrie McMenemy, Bobby Charlton, Denis Law, John Bond, Trevor Brooking and Bob Wilson. The BBC commissioned a theme tune from Andrew Lloyd-Webber who composed "Argentine Melody (Cancion De Argentina)", which was performed by San José (Lloyd-Webber & Don Airey) feat Rodriguez Argentina (Rod Argent). The single was released on May 26, 1978 and spent eight weeks on the UK chart, peaking at #14.

ITV's coverage was introduced by Brian Moore and among the experts were Kevin Keegan, Jack Charlton and Ian St John. Their World Cup theme tune was a re-working of a track called "Lap Of Honour", composed by Alan Tew, and renamed "Action Argentina". It was credited to South Bank Team (but recorded by the London Stadium Orchestra) and did not chart.

The 1986 FIFA World Cup was played in Mexico from May 31 to June 29, 1986. Coverage was shared by BBC and ITV.

The BBC's World Cup Grandstand was introduced by Des Lynam and included John Motson and Jimmy Hill in the commentary team and expert opinion from Bobby Charlton and Terry Venables. The BBC chose "Aztec Lightning" by Paul Hart as their theme. It was released as a single on May 19, 1986 and credited to Heads. It spent five weeks on the UK chart, peaking at #45.

ITV commissioned a theme tune from Rod Argent and Peter Van Hooke who composed and performed "Aztec Gold", under the name Silsoe. The single was released in June 1986 and also spent five weeks on the chart but peaking slightly lower at #48.