THE Italian dominance was only tested by Norway in their opening game as they stretched their unbeaten run in eight World Cup games to become the first Nation to capture back-to-back titles. Once again it was Vittorio Pozzo in charge, making him the first coach to successfully defend a World Cup championship.
With War imminent in Europe, at least two of the elite sides were absent. Civil War had already broken out in Spain under General Franco and Austria was annexed by Hitler, making way for at least five Austrians to play for Germany. Uruguay opted out yet again and Argentina, probably bitter at being overlooked as host, finally withdrew. It was a decision that caused the Federation’s office to be attacked and the Police had to be called in to quell the situation.
Twelve European countries were joined by the sole South American Brazil, Cuba coming in for Mexico who opted out and the Dutch East Indies (Indonesia) for the 15-day competition which was played on a KO basis. Sweden drew the bye in the first round.
Clouded by political tension, the 3rd World Cup kicked-off in Paris on June 4 at the Parc de Princess Stadium and resulted in the first of three stalemates which were all replayed. After playing to a 1-1, Germany and Switzerland met again 5 days later, with the Swiss winning 4-2.
The second day of action produced another deadlock when first-timers Cuba displayed great tenacity to draw 3-3 with Romania in Toulouse.  Silviu Bindea gave the initiative to Romania after 35 minutes of what turned out be an exciting encounter. A minute before the half Hector Soccorro equalised, then Jose Magrina sent Cuba into the lead in the 69th minute and two minutes from the end of regulation Iuliu Baratky levelled the score again, sending the game into extra time.
Neither of the two teams was ready to surrender, and two goals at either end within two minutes forced a replay. Soccorro completed his double in the 103rd minute and Stefan Dobay responded for Romania two minutes later.
In the replay the Cubans scored a historic 2-1 win to record the first victory for a Caribbean side at World Cup finals. After Dobay sent Romania ahead in the 28th minute, Soccorro (51st’) and Tomas Fernandez (53rd’) secured the win.
The most exciting game, however, was a goal feast between Brazil and Poland played under muddy conditions in Strasbourg. It was the first time a player scored four goals in a game and ended up on the losing side. Despite Ernest Wilimowski’s late burst of goals (53rd, 59th, 89th and 118th) and a 28th penalty from Fryedryk Szerfke the Poles lost 6-5. Brazil were led by a Leonidas treble (18th, 93th and 104th), two from Peracio (44th and 71th) and Romeu (25th).
Two other first round matches went into extra time, while the hosts brushed aside Belgium 3-1 and Hungary dismissed newcomers The Dutch East Indies 6-0. After a goal-less 90 minutes Czechoslovakia hit the net thrice in extra-time to end Holland’s participation, but the Cup holders had to call on Silvio Piola for the winner four minutes into extra-time against a determined Norway, like Holland, playing in their debut tournament.
Earlier Pierto Ferraris sent Italy into the lead after just two minutes and 7 minutes from the end Arne Brustard equalised.
In the second round Sweden proved far superior to Cuba winning by an 8-0 margin, Tore Keller and Gustav Wetterstrom hitting in three each. Hungary also made light work of Switzerland and Italy made sure that another host did not lift the Cup for the 3rd time in as many tournaments with a solid 3-1 victory.
The Czechoslovakia versus Brazil’s bruising encounter needed a replay, but not before Brazil’s right back Zeze wilfully hacked down Oldrich Nejedly and was given marching orders by Hungarian referee Pal Von Hertzka 14 minutes into the game. The Hungarian also had cause to expel Brazil’s Machado and the Czech Jan Ria for fighting.
Leonidas sent Brazil ahead after half hour and Nejedly converted a penalty after the ball was handled in the area in the 65th minute. No more goals materialised, even after 30 minutes extra time, but at the end Nejedly sustained a broken leg and goalkeeper Planicka a broken arm. The South Americans won the replay 2 days later by a 2-1 score, though it should have been much wider.
A very cocky Coach Ademar Pimenta committed the cardinal sin when he chose to rest Leonidas for their meeting with the defending champs, at stake – a place in the grand finale. It proved to be disastrous as Italy won 2-1, while the Tournament’s top scorer watched from the sideline. The other match was a one-sided affair with Gyula Zsengeller scoring a treble to propel Hungary past Sweden 5-1.
Brazil gained some consolation with an easy 4-2 win over the Scandanavians for the 3rd place after trailing 2-1 at the half. Two more goals for Leonidas made him the top marksman for the competition as he ended with seven goals.
The championship game turned out to be the least demanding for the Cup holders as they showed what it takes to win the ultimate prize in football and more importantly to silence the skeptics who thought the victory four years ago was designed for them. The final score was 4-2  and it would not be until 12 years later another World Cup was played.