Here are five names to have at your fingertips about the third World Cup, hosted by France and won by Italy.
Anschluss. The specter of World War II was emerging with NaziGermany’s annexation (Anschluss) of Austria — a move that also disbanded the talented Austrian “Wunderteam” and placed its stars in the German squad. The Germans’ ploy quicklyfailed as they were eliminated by Switzerland.
Fascism. Besides the Austrians’ forced elimination, Spain withdrew because of its civil war, in which the Nationalist rebelsreceived support from Fascist Germany and Italy.
Previous Editions of “Five Names”:
Cuba. Neither Mexico nor the USA showed any interest in traveling to Europe amid the tense politicalsituation, leaving Cuba as the unchallenged qualifier from the region. In its only World Cup appearance, the Cubans tied Romania but exited after losing the replay.
JulesRimet. The Frenchman who presided over FIFA since 1919 and whose name adorned the World Cup trophy from 1930 to 1970, brought the World Cup to his homeland — a bold move because soccer wasnot a French national passion — but just one of its three major sports, along with cycling and rugby. France opened with a win over Belgium and fell in quarterfinals to Italy.
Azzurri. Defending champion Italy, intent to prove it could also win away fromhome, first met Norway and was booed by political exiles as the players gave a Fascist salute before the game. They squeaked by the Norwegians before beating France and Brazil to reach the finalagainst Hungary. The inside forward trio of Giuseppe Meazza, Silvio Piola and Giovanni Ferrari led Italy to a 4-2 win. Whereas four years earlier it won the World Cup with four Argentines, Italy hadonly one oriundo, a Uruguayan.