1938 FIFA World Cup Final


The 1938 FIFA World Cup Final was the deciding match of the 1938 FIFA World Cup. It was contested by Italy and Hungary. Italy won the game 4–2 to win the last tournament before World War II.
The final itself took place at the Stade Olympique de Colombes in Paris. Vittorio Pozzo's Italian side took the lead early, but Hungary equalised within two minutes. The Italians took the lead again shortly after, and by the end of the first half were leading the Hungarians 3–1. Hungary never really got back into the game. With the final score favouring the Italians 4–2, Italy became the first team to successfully defend the title and were once more crowned World Cup winners.
The last survivor of the game was Italy's Pietro Rava, who died on 5 November 2006 at the age of 90.

Route to the final

Match

Summary

After 6 minutes, Gino Colaussi opened the scoring for Italy, before Pál Titkos equalised for the Hungarians two minutes later. However, Italy quickly regained the lead eight minutes later with a goal from Silvio Piola. In the 35th minute, Italy extended their lead to 3–1 going into half-time after the unmarked Colaussi scored his second of the match. In the 70th minute, captain György Sárosi scored for Hungary to reduce the deficit. However, in the 82nd minute Silvio Piola completed a brace to put Italy up 4–2, sealing the second World Cup title for the Italians.

Details




Match rules
  • 90 minutes.
  • 30 minutes of extra time if necessary.
  • Replay if scores still level.
  • No substitutions permitted.