1934 FIFA World Cup

The 1934 Football World Cup was hosted in Italy, chosen by FIFA over the other candidate, Sweden, in Stockholm in October 1932. It was the first football World Cup for which teams would have to qualify in order to take part. The number of participating nations this time doubled from the previous tournament, but only ten of the 32 nations came from outside the continent of the host nation. Italy became the second World Cup champions, beating Czechoslovakia in the final, 2-1.

The influence of Benito Mussolini, the Italian prime minister, is said to have extended to the choice of referees for Italy's matches. The Swedish referee who refereed the semi-final and final was said to have met with Mussolini before the matches, and disputed decisions were given in favour of Italy. Some referees ruled so much in Italy's favour that they were suspended by their home nations after the tournament. This tournament is regarded by some as having been as "politicized" as the 1936 Summer Olympics.

This World Cup was unique in two ways. First, the reigning World Cup holders Uruguay declined an invitation to participate as a mark of defiance against the European snub from the previous World Cup in 1930, becoming the only holders not to compete in the following tournament. Second, the hosts, Italy, had to qualify.

Venues

Twelve cities hosted the tournament:

The tournament

The preliminary round took the form of a knockout stage, which saw eight European teams: Austria, Czechoslovakia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland advance.

The quarterfinals provided the first replay that the World Cup had seen when Italy and Spain drew 1-1 after extra time. Italy won the replay 1-0, and then went on to beat Austria by the same margin. Meanwhile Czechoslovakia secured their place in the final by beating Germany 3-1.

The National Fascist Party stadium provided the venue for the final and with 70 minutes played, the Czechoslovakians were ahead 1-0. The Italians managed to score before the final whistle, and then added another goal in extra time to be crowned World Cup Winners.

Qualification

Tournament bracket

First round

^*AET - After extra time.

Quarter-finals

Replay:

Semi-finals

Third place match

Final

Awards

ITALY
First title

1934 World Cup Winners:

Goal scorers

4 goals

3 goals

2 goals

1 goal

Footnotes

External links

FIFA World Cup tournaments | 1934 FIFA World Cup | Football in Italy | Sports festivals hosted in Italy

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