 In the 1978 FIFA World Cup final against Argentina in Buenos Aires, he scored the equalizing goal in normal time, but Argentina went on to win 3–1 in extra time.In the same World Cup, Nanninga became the first substitute player to be sent off, 7 minutes after coming on against West Germany.He and Bernd Hölzenbein clashed as the Dutch took a free kick and Nanninga was shown the yellow card.