Piola completes the Italian job as football says farewell before the war

THE third World Cup began in France as war clouds gathered over Europe.

Argentina had formally applied to stage the 1938 World Cup and, when their offer was turned down, refused to travel to Europe. Uruguay, winners of the first World Cup eight years previously, stayed at home, nursing a grudge against European teams who did not take part in their tournament. Brazil was the only South American entrant, with Cuba also crossing the Atlantic to compete.

Despite the threat of war, 16 nations (England was another noted absentee) gathered for the competition, again run on a knockout basis.

As hosts, France were among the favourites to capture the trophy, and several new stadia were constructed to accommodate fans.

Brazil began with a thrilling 5-4 extra-time win over Poland. In the quarter-finals, Brazil played Czechoslovakia in a game equally as memorable but for different reasons.

By the time the match finished three players had been ordered off for rough play; two finished in hospital, and two more had to be assisted off at the finish. After extra time, the score was 1-1 and both teams were down to nine men each. In terms of personal injuries the score was one broken leg, one broken arm among other injuries.

Brazil claimed their opponents were responsible for the “Battle of Bordeaux”. They insisted the game should be awarded to them but their plea was dismissed by FIFA.

Thousands of fans crammed in to see the replay two days later, at the same stadium. Both teams had taken such a hammering that they had to field substitutes to take the places of the injured — Czechoslovakia included six and Brazil nine. The original Hungarian referee was replaced by a French official.

Just before the South Americans took to the field, a telegram arrived in the dressing room from the president of the Brazilian Football Federation. The president promised each player a house if Brazil won the World Cup. A wealthy supporter pledged goalkeeper Walter a small fortune if he kept the Czechs scoreless.

Amazingly the replay was as sporting as the previous one had been ill-tempered. Early in the first half Walter in the Brazilian goal saw a small fortune slip away from him when Kopecky, one of the substitutes, shot past him. Brazil kept their composure and scored twice in the second half through the goal-hungry Leonidas and Roberto to run out worthy winners.

Then it was on to Marseilles where, in the semi final, Brazil faced another tough game against Italy, holders of the Jules Rimet trophy, who defeated the hosts in the previous round.

The Brazilians were so confident that they would beat Italy that they rested star centre forward, Leonidas, the man known as the Black Diamond and leading tournament goalscorer. When asked to explain his decision their coach said they wanted Leonidas to be at his best for the final.

The highly-charged game was a nightmare for the elegant if sometimes unpredictable Brazilian full back Domingas Da Guia. Early in the first half, the speedy Italian winger Colaussi left Da Guia in his wake before scoring to put Italy 1-0 up. The big, bustling Italian centre forward Piola was also giving Da Guia a hard time and when he slipped past the Brazilian in the 14th minute, Da Guia lost his cool and whipped the Italian’s legs from under him in the penalty area. Captain Meazza crashed home the spot kick. Brazil pulled back on goal but could not overtake the champions.

In the final Italy faced a Hungarian team which had demolished Sweden 5-1 in the semi final. They were shocked early in the final when Italy scored in the sixth minute. Hungary showed their fighting qualities by equalising immediately. But the Italians went on to score two more goals and lead 3-1 at half time. Halfway through the second period the Hungarians pulled another goal back. But with 10 minutes remaining Piola scored again and Italy become the first team to retain the Jules Rimet trophy.