Italy 1934
Final: July 30, Italy 2-1 Czechoslovakia
Holders Uruguay refused to compete in Italy feeling that the European nations had snubbed their tournament in 1930.
With FIFA's membership now at more than 50 nations, a qualifying competition was held. The final qualifier was conducted three days before the competition started, with the US beating Mexico 4-2 in Rome on 24 May before being knocked out 7-1 by Italy on 27 May.
Italy's ultimate triumph, to the delight of fascist leader Benito Mussolini, left both Argentina and Brazil disenchanted after they had travelled 13,000 kms for one game each in the first round.
Italy beat Czechoslovakia 2-1 after extra time in the final, having trailed 1-0 until eight minutes from time. Antonin Puc put Czechoslovakia ahead after 70 minutes but Argentine-born Raimundo Orsi grabbed an equaliser and Angelo Schiavio scored an extra-time winner.
