FOUR years after Italy won the World Cup IN 1934, Mussolini was still enjoying the experience and was already hoping to take the trophy back to Rome.

Such was the political importance of being world champions, one Adolph Hitler wanted the gold trophy for his beloved Germany.

No-one really envisaged the war which was to come in September of the following year and so the 1938 tournament got under way with Italy fancied to hold on to their championship.

Still there were no British teams taking part. FIFA tried everything to encourage participation, without success. Argentina and Uruguay didn't turn up, but in came Poland and Cuba.

There was, however, some very exciting footballing talent on view in the shape of Brazil with their samba-style soccer and the more orthodox Hungarians.

Germany's hopes took a nosedive at the first hurdle, beaten by unfancied Switzerland, who came back from trailing 2-1 at half time to win 4-2. Back in Berlin they couldn't believe it and Hitler wasn't amused. Italy beat Norway 2-1, but the match of the round was Brazil's 6-5 extra-time win against Poland.

In the quarter finals Sweden crushed Cuba 8-0 and the clock-makers from Switzerland had time called on them by the Hungarians.

Italy crashed in three goals to one from the French, while Brazil won 2-1 against Czechoslovakia.

The Italy v Brazil semi-final would have made a great final, but here they were together and something had to give.

Amazingly, Brazil left out Leonardas, their star striker ,and played Peracio instead. Such arrogance was costly as Peracio missed two good chances and the Italians took advantage.

Piola, a no-nonsense bustling centre forward, got in amongst the fragile Brazilian defence and Italy reached the final with a 2-1 win.

In the other semi-final Sweden scored in the first minute against Hungary and a shock looked to be on the way. But from then on it was men versus boys. Hungary dismantled the Swedes with a stunning display of attacking, fluent football and cruised to a 5-1 victory.

In the final, Italy played a typical Italian game. Physical tackling, extremely tight man-to-man marking and body checks were all wrapped up by lethal finishing in front of goal.

Colaussi sent them on their way with a classic finish to a great move after only five minutes. Titkos equalised immediately for Hungary and the Italians in the crowd were silenced, but not for long.

It was soon Italian carnival time again as Meazza passed to Piola who smashed in a second for Italy. Then he provided a perfect cross for Colaussi to smack in number three.

Italy closed the game down but Sarosi scored for Hungary and it was 3-2. The Italians rallied and Biavati produced some lovely skill to get past the Hungarian defence and provide an inch-perfect pass for Piola to wrap it all up 4-2.

Sadly, after the joy of this final the world was plunged into war and it would be 12 years before the World Cup would be resumed. When it was, it was pretty chaotic but well worth the wait.

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