1934 FIFA World Cup – Italy
The 1934 FIFA World Cup was hosted by Italy and was the second edition of the tournament. Unlike the 1930 competition, this tournament introduced a knockout format from the very beginning, with 16 teams participating. Matches were held in various Italian cities, and Italy became the first European team to win the World Cup, triumphing on home soil under the regime of Benito Mussolini, who used the event as a showcase of national pride.
Knockout Stage
Round of 16
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| Italy vs USA | 7–1 |
| Spain vs Brazil | 3–1 |
| Sweden vs Argentina | 3–2 |
| Austria vs France | 3–2 (a.e.t.) |
| Hungary vs Egypt | 4–2 |
| Switzerland vs Netherlands | 3–2 |
| Czechoslovakia vs Romania | 2–1 |
| Germany vs Belgium | 5–2 |
Italy demolished the USA 7–1, setting a record for one of the largest wins in early World Cup history.
Quarter-finals
Click to expand results
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| Italy vs Spain | 1–1 (Replay: Italy 1–0) |
| Austria vs Hungary | 2–1 |
| Germany vs Sweden | 2–1 |
| Czechoslovakia vs Switzerland | 3–2 |
The Italy–Spain tie required a replay the next day, with Italy advancing after a grueling two matches.
Semi-finals
Click to expand results
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| Italy vs Austria | 1–0 |
| Czechoslovakia vs Germany | 3–1 |
Italy edged Austria in a tightly contested semi-final, while Czechoslovakia impressed with a solid win over Germany.
Third Place Playoff
Click to expand result
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| Germany vs Austria | 3–2 |
Germany claimed third place with a narrow 3–2 victory over Austria.
Final
Final Match
Italy 2–1 Czechoslovakia (a.e.t.)
Czechoslovakia took the lead in the 76th minute, but Italy equalized through Raimundo Orsi. In extra time, Angelo Schiavio scored the winner, giving Italy their first World Cup title in front of a jubilant home crowd in Rome.
External Links