Football While Europe Held Its Breath
The third World Cup, held in France in the summer of 1938, took place in a continent already sensing the approach of catastrophe. In March of that year, Nazi Germany had annexed Austria — an act that eliminated the Austrian national team, one of Europe's strongest sides, from the tournament. Czechoslovakia, which would be partially occupied by October, was present in France and reached the quarterfinals. The players on the pitch were aware, as many civilians were, that this might be the last period of normalcy for a very long time.
Argentina and Uruguay again declined to participate, protesting that the tournament remained in Europe for a second consecutive time despite South America's hosting of the inaugural edition. Their absence weakened the field considerably. Brazil, however, made the trip and would emerge as one of the most exciting teams of the competition.
Vittorio Pozzo Makes History
Italy arrived as defending champions under the same coach who had guided them to glory four years earlier: Vittorio Pozzo. A former student of the game who had studied in England and been shaped by the passing traditions of the pre-war era, Pozzo had developed a distinctively pragmatic and disciplined tactical system. His methods were demanding — opponents and observers alike credited him with an extraordinary ability to identify and develop talent from within the Italian football diaspora.
On June 19, 1938, in Paris, Italy met Hungary in the final at the Stade Olympique de Colombes. Italy won 4–2, with goals from Gino Colaussi (two) and Silvio Piola (two). The victory made Vittorio Pozzo the only coach in history to win the World Cup twice — a record that stands to this day, nearly ninety years later.
A Landmark Debut
- The Dutch East Indies — the territory known today as Indonesia — became the first Asian nation to participate in a World Cup, making their debut in France in 1938.
- Cuba reached the quarterfinals, defeating Romania, in one of the most unexpected runs of any early World Cup.
- Brazil's striker Leônidas finished as the tournament's top scorer with seven goals and was widely regarded as the most gifted player of the competition, though Brazil fell to Italy in the semifinal.
- Austria's annexation by Germany meant the Austrian team competed as part of Greater Germany at the 1938 tournament — though they were eliminated in the first round.
When the final whistle blew in Paris, Italy's players had no way of knowing that the next World Cup would be twelve years away. The world had other plans.