1938 World Cup France

For the second tournament in a row the 1938 Football World Cup was played in Europe, this time France.  Italy repeated their success of 1934 and became the first team to retain the trophy.

FIFA's decision to hold the tournament in Europe caused outrage in South America where it was believed that the venue would alternate between the two continents.  This resulted in Uruguay or Argentina not entering the competition.

For the first time that the host and holders of the World Cup  automatically qualified.  Austria qualified but withdrew, so Sweden automatically entered the quarterfinals. Five of the first round matches required extra time to break the dead lock and even after that two games still went to a replay.

France were knocked out by the holders, and Switzerland were seen off by Hungary. Czechoslovakia took Brazil to a replay, but the South Americans eventually won 2-1.

Hungary crushed Sweden 5-1 in the semi-finals, while Italy and Brazil had their first many important World Cup clashes, with Italy victorious on this occasion.

The Stade Colombes in Paris hosted the final.  Italy took an early lead , but Hungary quickly equalised.  The Italians took the lead again shortly after, and by half time were leading 3-1, from which Hungary never recovered with Italy winning 4-2 in the end.

Top Scorers

8 Goals - Leônidas (Brazil)

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