Football World Cup 1938

The 1938 Football World Cup was played in France, the second tournament in a row to be played in Europe. Italy retained the championship, beating Hungary 4-2 in the finals.

Related Topics:
1938 - Football World Cup - France - Europe - Italy - Hungary

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The decision of FIFA to hold the tournament in France caused outrage in South America where it was believed that the venue would alternate between the two continents. As a result neither Uruguay nor Argentina entered the competition.

Related Topics:
South America - Uruguay - Argentina

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It was the first time that host and holders of the World Cup (Italy) qualified automatically, with fifteen nations taking part. Austria qualified but withdrew, so Sweden received automatic entry into the quarterfinals. Five of the first round matches required extra time to break the dead lock; two games still went to a replay. The replays saw Switzerland oust Germany 4-2, while Cuba managed to pass through to the next round at the expense of Romania.

Related Topics:
Austria - Sweden - Switzerland - Germany - Cuba - Romania

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Sweden may have entered the competition at a later stage than the other teams, but they did so with style when they beat Cuba 8-0. The host nation were beaten by the holders, and Switzerland were seen off by Hungary. Czechoslovakia took Brazil to extra time and eventually a replay, but the South Americans proved too strong for the Europeans as they were beaten 2-1.

Related Topics:
Host nation - Czechoslovakia

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Hungary destroyed Sweden in one of the semifinals 5-1, while Italy and Brazil had the first of their many important World Cup clashes in the other. The Brazilians rested their star player Leonidas confident that they would qualify for the final, but the Italians won 2-1. Brazil topped Sweden 4-2 for third place.

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The Final itself took place in the Stade Colombes, Paris. Vittorio Pozzo's Italian side took the lead early, but Hungary equalised within two minutes. The Italians took the lead again shortly after, and by the end of the first half were leading the Hungarians 3-1. Hungary never really got back into the game. With the final score favouring the Italians 4-2, Italy became the first team to defend the title and were once more crowned World Cup Winners.

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