THE LAST CUP BEFORE THE STORM: 1938 fifA WORLD CUP
INTRODUCTION
The 1938 FIFA World Cup marked a pivotal moment in football history - a tournament held in the shadows of rising global tension, yet bursting with unforgettable drama on the pitch. Hosted by France, it was the third edition of the competition and the last before World War II would bring the beautiful game to a halt. For the first time, the World Cup welcomed automatic qualification for the host and reigning champions, and also witnessed a major shift as the tournament remained in Europe, sparking controversy among South American nations. Amid political unrest and passionate crowds, the world's best footballing nations clashed in a spectacle that blended sport with the uncertainty of its time.
| ASIA | NORTH, CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN | SOUTH AMERICA | EUROPE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dutch East Indies (debut) | Cuba (debut) | Brazil | Belgium |
| Czechoslovakia | |||
| France (host) | |||
| Germany | |||
| Hungary | |||
| Italy (1934 Champions) | |||
| Netherlands | |||
| Norway (debut) | |||
| Poland (debut) | |||
| Romania | |||
| Sweden | |||
| Switzerland |
first round (round of 16) highlights
brazil vs. poland (6-5 aet)
- one of the wildest World Cup games ever.
- Brazil's Leonidas da Silva scored 4 goals, even playing part of the match barefoot due to muddy conditions.
- Poland's Ernest Willimowski scored 4 goals too, but Brazil edged it in extra time.
cuba vs. romania (3-3, then 2-1 in replay)
- the first match ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw.
- in the replay, Cuba shocked Romania with a 2-1 win, becoming the first Caribbean team to win a World Cup match.
germany vs. switzerland (1-1, then 2-1 in replay)
- Germany fielded a mixed squad after the annexation of Austria
- Switzerland stunned Germany in the replay, knocking them out in one of the tournament's biggest upsets.
quarterfinal highlights
brazil vs czechoslovakia (1-1, then 2-1 in replay)
- A brutal, violent affair, known as the "Battle of Bordeaux
- Multiple players were sent off and injured, both teams barely fielded full squads in the replay.
- Brazil advanced after grinding out a 2-1 win.
sweden vs cuba (8-0)
- Biggest win of the tournament
- Sweden, fresh from a bye due to Austria's withdrawal, dismantled Cuba with ease.
semifinal highlights
italy vs. brazil (2-1)
- Brazil controversially rested Leonidas, their star striker.
- Italy took advantage, scoring twice before Brazil responded with a late penalty.
- Brazil's decision to rest Leonidas remains one of football's biggest "what-ifs"
hungary vs. sweden (5-1)
- Hungary dominated