Fifa World Cup 1938 - Host Nation France

France hosted their first World Cup probably out of loyalty to Jules Rimet, the man who played a big part in getting the tournament started in the first place.

This World Cup was knockout all the way and unfortunately Argentina and Uruguay were missing with the Argentina's snubbing the competition because they had not been allocated the tournament.

Amazingly five of the seven first round matches needed extra time or a replay. Brazil beat Poland in an eleven goal cracker with the score finishing up 6-5 when Leonidas and Willimowski scored four goals each for their countries. Cuba surprised many by beating Romania after a replay, and Germany were also knocked out after a replay when they lost to Switzerland.

Italy took on the French and beat them 3-1 in the quarterfinal. Sweden after getting a by into the second stage beat Cuba 8-0. Brazil beat the runners-up from the last World Cup, Czechoslovakia after a replay.

Italy then took on Brazil in the semi finals and beat them 2-1. The other semi final was between Sweden and Hungary and Hungary trashed them 5-1 with Zsengeller getting a hat-trick.

The final in Paris between Italy and Hungary saw six goals, four to Italy who defended the title.