June 10 – Italy are World Champs
After the success of the first ever World Cup in 1930, the powers that be decided to make it a regular gig, and Italy was chosen as the host country for the second tournament in 1934.
It was an unusual World Cup in two respects: first, the holders did not take part for the only time in World Cup history – Uruguay declined an invitation, still hurt after most European teams refused to play in the 1930 contest, although there was also concern that all their best players would sign for Italian clubs and never return home.
Secondly, despite being the hosts, italy had to qualify for the right to take part. Luckily they did, or the whole thing could have been something of an embarrassing non-event.
As it was the Italian team, no doubt spurred on by the dubious motivational powers of Mussolini, destroyed the USA in the first round 7-1, before overcoming Spain in the quarter-final 1-0 in a replayed match after the first game ended 1-1.
They then dispatched Austria in a tense and nervy semi-final that was eventually settled by a single goal from Italy’s Argentine-born winger Guaita in the 19th minute.
So far so good for the Italian team, as their winning run ensured Mussolini’s propoganda was based in reality for once.
It was on this day that the second World Cup Final took place. Mussolini had given virtually the whole country the day off in anticipation for the great victory that would surely follow against opponents Czechoslovakia.
Inevitably things did not initially run to the Italian dictator’s script. After a goalless first half it was the Czechs who opened the scoring with just 20 minutes remaining to sour the party inside the del Partiti stadium.
The scorer, Puc, had only just returned to the field after treatment for cramp when his long shot beat Italian keeper Combi after a corner.
Perhaps imagining the frightening consequences that awaited them if they failed, the Italian players stirred into life and Raimondo Orsi equalised with just eight minutes left.
In extra time Angelo Schiavio netted the winner and the whole of Italy rejoiced: they were World Champions.
All of which was a far cry from the fate of future World Champions Brazil and Argentina: both teams had took an 8,000 mile boat trip to reach Italy, promptly lost their opening matches and were out on the spot with just the return journey home as a consolation.
By 1962 the World Cup was back in South America and England had finally decided to enter. Read about the Three Lions striker doing his Rolf Harris bit here, and come back tomorrow for another story from football’s history.
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