1934
The World Cup quickly becomes popular. Thirty-two countries
apply to play in the second competition. The organisers
introduce a qualifying round.
Sixteen
countries compete in the
final tournament in Italy. 12 teams are from Europe
and three were from America (including the USA but not
the holders Uruguay). Egypt represent Africa.
The Great Pozzo
The tournament is played on a straight knockout basis, with
games in eight Italian cities.
Italy are the favourites. Led by the first great
international manager, Vittorio Pozzo, they start the
tournament strongly. They beat the USA 7 - 1 and then Spain
in a hard fought quarterfinal.
A semi final win over Austria in heavy rain takes them to a
final against Czechoslovakia.
