1938:
Final
A
selection error
Unfortunately for Brazil, their manager makes a major
selection error. He does not play either Leônidas or
the other Brazil star, Tim, in the semi-final against
Italy.
Before the game he confidently says, ‘we are keeping
them for the final.’ But the Final never comes! Brazil
lose 2-1.
Defending champion Italy
face Hungary in the Final. Hungary have played very
well in the early games in the tournament. They are the
favourites to win.
Italy, however, save their best football for the final.
They take a 3-1 half-time lead, and go on to win 4-2.
War
A year after the 1938 World
Cup the Second World War begins. The 1942 World Cup is
cancelled.
It will be 12 years before the tournament.