FIFA world cup: The first three soccer tournaments
The first three tournaments of the Soccer world cup held in Uruguay, Italy and France respectively packed a punch for viewers, who saw the Latino countries, US and European nations battle it out to hoist the four Kg, solid gold trophy.
JULES RIMET'S dream came true in 1930 with the first edition of the Soccer world cup at Montevideo, Uruguay. Four teams from Europe participated in the tournament. Three of them travelled in the same sea ship and picked up the Brazilian team on their way to Uruguay. One armed goal scorer in the final and unfinished stadium, four kg solid gold trophy called the Goddess of Victory...the first edition had all the elements of a thriller. In the second ever Soccer world cup, it was won by host nation Italy. It was bigger and better than the first edition. Live radio commentary of the matches was broadcast to twelve of the participating countries. The final was a comeback triumph again with Italy beating Czechoslovakia in Rome. Czechoslovakians who belonged to the Danubian school of short passing could not hold the host nation from winning the final.
Mexico had also travelled to Italy for the event, but had to face a qualifier with USA who had applied late for the tournament and lost. On the other hand, Uruguay refused to participate in this tounament, as Italy had refused to participate in the one they had hosted. The Latino challenge was put to rest with Argentina and Brazil loosing the initial matches.
The year 1938, saw the third Soccer world cup. The tournament this time was pitched in the background of the rising war clouds, as Europe was soon plagued by a second world war. The first two cups had gone to the host nations. France was the host this time but it was the Azzurri who defended their champion status and lifted the trophy for the second time.
Spain could not participate because of the civil war raging in the country and Austria was annexed by Germany. In fact, the top players of Austria played for Germany this year. Argentina had bid for the tournament and failed and therefore decided not to participate. Uruguay abstained for the second time. In the final Hungary did put up a fight but then Italians were too strong to be outclassed.
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