The country that hosted the 1982 World Cup of soccer was Spain. This prestigious tournament took place from June 13th to July 11th, 1982, and it was the twelfth edition of the FIFA World Cup. Spain won the bid to host the tournament, beating out Brazil and Argentina in the selection process.

The 1982 World Cup was a highly anticipated event, with 24 teams from around the world competing for the coveted trophy. The matches were held in 17 different stadiums across 14 cities in Spain, including Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville. The opening match took place at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, where the host nation, Spain, faced off against Honduras.

The tournament featured many memorable moments and outstanding performances. Italy, led by the legendary Paolo Rossi, emerged as the champions, defeating West Germany 3-1 in the final. Rossi, who won the Golden Boot as the tournament's top scorer, played a pivotal role in Italy's success, scoring six goals throughout the competition.

Spain's hosting of the 1982 World Cup was significant for the country. It provided an opportunity to showcase its rich footballing culture, infrastructure, and hospitality to the world. The tournament helped boost tourism and the economy, and it left a lasting legacy on the country's football development.

Moreover, the 1982 World Cup introduced various innovations and changes to the tournament format. It was the first World Cup to feature 24 teams, up from the previous 16. Additionally, the introduction of three points for a win incentivized teams to play more aggressively, resulting in an exciting and attacking style of football.

In conclusion, Spain had the honor of hosting the 1982 World Cup, bringing together nations from across the globe to compete for football's most prestigious trophy. The tournament was an immense success, leaving a lasting impact on Spain and contributing to the growth and evolution of the World Cup itself.

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