1934 World Cup Italy

The 1934 Football World Cup was hosted by Italy and was the first World Cup for that teams had to qualify for.  The participating teams doubled from the previous tournament.

Italy became the second World Cup champions, winning 2-1 against  Czechoslovakia.  Mussolini is alleged to have influence the choice of referees for Italy's matches and the Swedish referee for the semi-final and final was said to have met with Mussolini before the matches, and some disputed decision were given in favour of Italy.  After the tournament some referees were suspended by their home nations for ruling too much in Italy's favour.

The reigning World Cup holders, Uruguay, declined to participate in a mark of defiance against the European snub from the previous 1930 World Cup, becoming the only holders not to compete in the following tournament. Also Italy Italy, had to qualify, the only occasion that the hosts have had to.

The preliminary round took the form of a knockout stage, which saw eight European teams go through to the quarter-finals.  These quarterfinals saw the first World Cup replay after Italy and Spain drew 1-1 after extra time.  with Italy winning the replay.

The Del Partiti stadium provided the venue for the final with Italy coming from behind  to win in extra time.

Top Scorers

4 goals - Edmund Conen (Germany)
                Oldrich Nejedly (Czechoslovakia)
                Angelo Schiavio (Italy)

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