From the first Asian participants to Italy’s historic title defence, the 1938 World Cup was played under the dark clouds of impending war. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
The world was on the brink of an all-encompassing war, and there were already signs of what was to come at the Fifa World Cup in France in 1938.
Austria, although qualified, did not participate at the event due to the Anschluss, while Spain could not participate due to their ongoing civil war. Several South American sides boycotted the showpiece due to a perceived unfairness in the bidding process and the awarding of the hosting rights to the French. As such, only Brazil participated, making the semi-finals for the first time.
Due to the worsening political situation, no African country participated at the event; Egypt were the only team from the continent to express interest in playing, but the Pharoahs later withdrew.
The Stade Olympique de Colombes, where the final was played between Italy and Hungary. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
Asia: Dutch East Indies (Indonesia)
Europe: Belgium, Czechoslovakia, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland
North America: Cuba
South America: Brazil
After winning the bid to host, France selected 10 venues for the World Cup. The final was played in Paris at the current Stade Yves-du-Manoir, which is now primarily known as a rugby stadium. The ground is also famous for the rivalry between Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell, which inspired the historical sports drama Chariots of Fire.
The Dutch East Indians who played one match at the World Cup. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
As in 1934, the knockout format was retained. The 15 teams played the first round of matches on June 5 across France. Due to the fact that Austria had been annexed by Germany, their opponents, Sweden, received a bye and played their first match in the quarter-finals against Cuba, whom they beat 8-0. Switzerland v Germany and Cuba v Romania drew their opening matches and played a replay four days later, from which the Swiss and Cubans progressed.
The tournament marks the first participation of an Asian nation at the World Cup. Previously, Japan and Thailand (as Siam) expressed interest in qualifying for the event but withdrew.
Indonesia, under their predecessor the Dutch East Indies, qualified for the tournament — their only appearance — and still hold the record for the fewest matches played at a World Cup: one. In that first-round match, they were routed 6-0 by Hungary to be dumped out of the competition.
Because they were a colony of The Netherlands at the time, Fifa used the Dutch national anthem to represent them for their match. South Korea were the next Asian team to play when they appeared at the 1954 World Cup.
From the first Asian participants to Italy’s historic title defence, the 1938 World Cup was played under the dark clouds of impending war. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
Semi-final 1 (Marseille): Italy 2, Brazil 1
Semi-final 2 (Paris): Hungary 5, Sweden 1
Brazil beat Sweden 4-2 to win the third-place play-off clash.
Italy were heavy favourites to retain the title, regardless of how dubious their 1934 victory was. They were not only defending champions but also Olympic champions, having won the Berlin Games in Germany in 1936. The Azzurri went on to beat Hungary 4-2, solidifying the legend of double World Cup-winning coach Vittorio Pozzo. It was also the first time a country had won the World Cup on neutral ground.
Due to winning the World Cup in 1934 and the outbreak of World War II, Italy hold the record as the longest-serving World Cup champions. They held the title for over 16 years, and finally relinquished the title in 1950 when they were dumped out of the group stages by Sweden and Paraguay in Brazil.