Just the second World Cup and this time it was to be held on European soil in the form of Italy. The tournament was named ‘The World’s Cup‘ and the Italians proved once more that home advantage really did matter when they won their first World Cup title after beating Czechoslovakia in the final.

The 1934 World Cup was the first competition where countries actually had to qualify to make the cut. 32 countries battled it out in qualifying with just 15 actually bracing the World Cup finals.

Something unique for a World Cup happened when the first ever match was replayed after Spain & Italy played out a 1-1 draw, after extra-time. Back then there was no penalties so another match was played just days later of which Italy ran out victorious.

Final:

Italy 2 – 1  Czechoslovakia (After Extra-Time) – Stadio  Nazionale, Rome ~ 45,000 Attendance

Goalscorers:

Italy – Orsi, Schiavio
Czechoslovakia – Puc

Third Place Play-Off:

Germany 3 – 2 Austria

Goalscorers:

Germany – Lehner x2, Conen
Austria – Horvath, Sesta