World Cup Stories-Part 2 (The Second World Cup 1934)-part d

I.  First Round:  May 27^th, 1934

-All the First Round matches took place on May 27^th, 1934.

Italy 7-USA 1

-The hosts Italy took on USA at Rome’s Stadio Nazionale del P.N.F. ( Partito Nazionale Fascista). Just three days prior at the same venue, the Americans had earned their qualification vs. Mexico.

Photo From: Guerin Sportivo-La Grande Storia Del Calcio Italiana-1933-1934

(Italian players taking the field, May 27, 1934, World Cup, Italy 7-USA 1)

Photo From: Fussballweltmeisterschaft 1934 Italien, Author Hardy Grune

(USA squad, May 27, 1934, World Cup, Italy 7-USA 1)

Pozzo, having already benched Caligaris, decided to give Virginio Rosetta (February 25, 1902-March 29, 1975) one last chance as starter. In fact Rosetta would be the Team captain and carried the Italian banner into the field.

Despite the comprehensive Italian win, it would be Rosetta’s last match for Azzuri as Pozzo was convinced that he would not last the Tournament. Rosetta had made his debut as far back as the 1920 Olympics.

The Brazilian-Born Guarisi also started for Italy, as did the other Oriundi: Monti and Orsi.

The match was watched by Mussolini in the stands.

Photo From: Guerin Sportivo I Mondiali del 1934

(May 27, 1934, World Cup, Italy 7-USA 1)

The Italians scored seven with a hat trick from Angelo Schiavio along with a double from Orsi.

Giovanni Ferrari and Giuseppe Meazza rounded out the scoring.

The Italian-American Aldo Donelli, who had scored four goals vs. Mexico three days prior, scored USA’s Lone consolation goal.

Photo From: Guerin Sportivo I Mondiali del 1934

(May 27, 1934, World Cup, Italy 7-USA 1)

-USA’s Thomas Florie (September 6, 1897-April 26, 1966) was at the age of 37, the oldest player at this World Cup.

He was a veteran of the 1930 World Cup as well.

Photo From: Гольдес И.- История чемпионатов мира 1930-1962+

(USA’s Thomas Florie)

(September 6, 1897-April 26, 1966)

-USA’s George Moorehouse (April 4, 1901-October 12, 1943) was also a veteran of the 1930 World Cup. In these 1930 series, he became the First English-born player to appear in the World Cup Finals.

Photo From: Гольдес И.- История чемпионатов мира 1930-1962+

(USA’s George Moorehouse)

(April 4, 1901-October 12, 1943)

-It took Italy 18 minutes to open the scoring through Schiavio. Italy were attacking constantly and had already been awarded three corners up to that point.

The move was started by Luisito Monti who served Ferrari. Ferrari gave it to Schiavio, who after a one-two with Meazza scored.

Just two minutes later, Guarisi, Meazza and Schiavio combined to assist Orsi in the second goal.

Afterwards Guarisi struck the cross bar.

In the 29^th minute, Schiavio scored Italy’s Third. Monti disposed Donelli and served Ferrari, who launched Schiavio to score.

In the 57^th minute, Aldo Donelli pulled a goal back for the Americans.

In the 63^rd minute Italy scored the fourth. Ferrari scored from a corner taken by Guarisi. Schiavio scored again a minute later.

Orsi scored in the 69^th minute, exploiting a fisted clearance by the US goalkeeper to score in a melee of players.

Meazza rounded out the scoring in the last minute.

Photo From: Guerin Sportivo I Mondiali del 1934

(May 27, 1934, World Cup, Italy 7-USA 1)

-The Fascist Party had a private journalist and it was his duty to issue an official report of the match for the international and local press. Naturally, the bulletin began with "Electrified by the presence of Benito Mussolini in the stadium…. “

-Italy’s Fifth goal (and Schiavio’s third) was officially the one hundredth goal in the History of the World Cup.

-It was reported that USA defender Adolph C. ‘Ed’ Czerkiewicz had left the field injured when Orsi scored Italy’s sixth.

-Italy’s Luisito Monti became the first ever player to play for two different nations in a World Cup. He had represented Argentina in 1930 World Cup.

Teammate Attilio Demaria was his teammate on the Argentina 1930 squad as well as the 1934 Italian one.

-Allegedly Mussolini had threatened the Italian players that they should win. He had said “"And you know: if you do not win the Cup,  ‘Crash’", He said while motioning his finger on his neck.

Upon hearing this Monti had remarked the paradox from 1930, where he was threatened if Argentina won.

He said "'Clue, my misfortune! Four years ago, they would kill me if I won and here I am. Kill me if we lose ... "

-The Takeaway from this match was the Italians were too strong for the Americans. This was the only real mismatch of the Tournament.

In addition, this turned out to be the only match involving Italy that did not involve any refereeing controversy.

Spain 3-Brazil 1

-Spain and Brazil faced one another at Genova’s Stadio Comunale ‘Luigi Ferraris’ (Marassi).

-When Brazil lined up against Spain, they had not played any matches in the entire year of 1933 and in fact this was their very first match of 1934.

-This was Brazil’s first ever match on the European Continent.

Photo From: El Mundo Deportivo, May 30, 1934

(Brazilian players taking the field, May 27, 1934, World Cup, Spain 3-Brazil 1)

Photo From: Historias Sudamericanas en la Copa del Mundo 1930-2006

(Brazil squad, May 27, 1934, World Cup, Spain 3-Brazil 1)

-The Brazilians had been on sea for thirteen days. They arrived on a Friday and played on that Sunday.

The Match was played under very host conditions (31 degrees Celsius).

-Spanish Captain Zamora and Brazil Captain Martim Silveira were respectively the oldest and youngest Captains at this World Cup.

Note: According to some sources Sylvio Hoffmann may have been the Brazil Captain.

Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer (special thanks to Jose Luis Carbonell)

(May 27, 1934, World Cup, Spain 3-Brazil 1)

-Brazilians attacked but could not break through the Spanish defense. They won corners but could not exploit their chances.

-Spain scored all its goals in the first half. For the Spanish Lecue made his International debut in this match.

Iraragorri scored from a penalty kick in the 18^th minute. This was the first penalty kick of the Tournament.

Langara scored in the 25^th minute form a cross by Gorostiza. A few minutes later in the 29^th minute Spain scored the third. Gorostiza pressured Luiz Luz who due to a lack of communication with the goalkeeper was disposed by Langara who scored his second and Spain’s third.

Brazil tried to get back into the game in the second half as Spain relaxed.

Leonidas scored in the 55^th minute to galvanize Brazil.

In the 61st minute, Luizinho scored a goal, of a pass from Waldemar de Brito that was annulled due to an infraction.

Brazil were awarded a penalty kick in the 70^th minute after a foul by Ciriaco on Waldemar de Brito. However, Zamora saved Waldemar de Brito’s attempt (on the left corner).

This demoralized Brazil who appeared to be getting into the match.

Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer (special thanks to Jose Luis Carbonell)

(May 27, 1934, World Cup, Spain 3-Brazil 1)

Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer (special thanks to Jose Luis Carbonell)

(May 27, 1934, World Cup, Spain 3-Brazil 1)

-Brazil, along with Holland, were the only seeded teams that did not qualify to the next round.

-The CBD blamed the match Referee, the German Alfred Birlem, for bias against them.

They claimed that he had not called a penalty kick in Brazil’s favor in the 21^st minute. Apparently following a corner, Patesko’s goal bound shot had been blocked by Quincoces’ arm. There was a photograph published in a Newspaper that showed Birlem with clear view of the action.

The Spanish also had a penalty kick claim that was not called by Birlem. Late in the game, Langara was fouled by Brazilian goalkeeper Pedrosa and Luiz Luz. However, Birelm waved pay to go on.

Photo From: El Mundo Deportivo, May 30, 1934

(Another view of controversial photo, May 27, 1934, World Cup, Spain 3-Brazil 1)

Photo From: Seleccao Brasileira -90 Anos 1914-2004, Authors Antonio Carlos Napoleao, Roberto Assaf

 (The photograph in question showing Birlem, May 27, 1934, World Cup, Spain 3-Brazil 1)

Photo From: Guerin Sportivo I Mondiali del 1934

(Match Referee Alfred Birlem)

-The takeaway from the match was that Brazil had talented individuals but could not play collectively, while Spain functioned as a unit and were better organized tactically.

For the Spanish press Leonidas and Waldemar de Brito had stood out.

Waldemar de Brito (May 17, 1913-February 21, 1979) would be credited to have discovered Pele.

Photo From: Guerin Sportivo I Mondiali del 1934

(Spain squad, May 27, 1934, World Cup, Spain 3-Brazil 1)

Czechoslovakia 2-Romania 1

-Czechoslovakia and Romania faced one another at Trieste’s Stadio Littorio.

-Czechoslovakia’s Josef Silný (January 23, 1902-May 18, 1981) was the only foreign-based player on the Czechoslovakian squad. He played for French club Sporting Club Nîmois. In this match, he became the first ever Czech player in the Finals of a Tournament while playing for a foreign based club.

-Romania played well in the first half and took the lead in the 10^th minute by Stefan Dobay (after a one-two with Kovaci).

Czech captain and goalkeeper Frantisek Planicka saved his squad with many saves in this first half.

The Romanians also created many corners in this half.

Photo From: Fussballweltmeisterschaft 1934 Italien, Author Hardy Grune

(May 27, 1934, World Cup, Czechoslovakia 2-Romania 1)

-In the second half, in the 50^th minute, Antonin Puč tied the match from a cross by Josef Koštálek.

Oldrich Nejedlý scored Czechoslovakia’s second in the 67^th minute from a pass by Jiri Sobotka.

The Romanians protested as they claimed Sobotka had committed a foul prior to the action.

-The Romanians pressured in the end, but Planicka made impressive saves in the last minutes.

Iuliu Bodola hit the cross bar with two minutes to go.

Photo From: Guerin Sportivo I Mondiali del 1934

(May 27, 1934, World Cup, Czechoslovakia 2-Romania 1)

-The takeaway from this match was that the Czechs had been overconfident and that was why they gave away an early goal before getting back in the match.

Many observers believed Romanians over exerted themselves in the first half and were tired by the second half.

The best player for the Czechs had in fact been goalkeeper and Captain Frantisek Planicka.

Match Referee John Langenus expressed "In the first half, the Romanians had several times the chance to decide the game for themselves,”.

Frantisek Planicka was glad that Romania had "no second Stefan Dobay".

Photo From: Гольдес И.- История чемпионатов мира 1930-1962+

(Romania’s Stefan Dobay)

(September 26, 1909-April 7, 1994)

Photo From: Guerin Sportivo I Mondiali del 1934

(May 27, 1934, World Cup, Czechoslovakia 2-Romania 1)

Sweden 3-Argentina 2

-Sweden and Argentina faced one another at Bologna’s Stadio Littoriale.

-Argentina’s Robert Luis Iraneta (March 21, 1915-November 30, 1992) was at the age of 18, the youngest player at this World Cup.

-Argentina fielded 9 debutants; Arcadio Lopez and Alfredo Ciriaco De Vincenzi were only non-debutants.

Photo From: IFFHS-Argentina (1902-1940)-Uruguay (1902-1940)

(Argentina’s Alfedo Ciriaco Devincenzi)

(June 9, 1907-umknown)

Photo From: Guerin Sportivo I Mondiali del 1934

(Argentina squad, May 27, 1934, World Cup, Sweden 3-Argentina 2)

-The Swedes had arrived just 36 hours before the match. They arrived on May 26^th. Their League Programme had only ended shortly before the Finals.

-Argentina took the lead in the 3^rd minute when Ernesto Belis scored from a free kick.

Sven Jonasson tied up the match just minutes later (8^th minute).

Argentina took the lead once more in the 47^th minute through Alberto Galateo.

Sven Jonasson tied the score once more for the Swedes in the 67^th minute.

Knut Kroon scored Sweden’s winner in the 79^th minute. The Swedes hung on despite a late Argentina pressure.

-It later transpired that Constantino Urbieta Sosa was actually Paraguayan. He had in fact played for Paraguay against Argentina before.

He had concealed this fact from the Argentina Authorities.

Photo From: Fussballweltmeisterschaft 1934 Italien, Author Hardy Grune

(May 27, 1934, World Cup, Sweden 3-Argentina 2)

-Argentina’s Alberto Galateo (May 22, 1911- February 26, 1961) was gunned down by his own son on February 26, 1961 in a domestic dispute when threatening his wife. He had fallen into alcoholism by then.

Note: Some sources show a birth date of March 4, 1912

-The takeaway from this match was that Amateur Argentinean players were ill prepared to compete at this level despite showing enthusiasm.

They showed promise in attack, but weak defensively. The lack of preparation was evident.

Argentina goalkeeper Hector Luis Freschi had a poor match and did not inspire confidence.

It was said that this Amateur team traveled 13,000 kilometers, spending more time on the high seas than on Italian soil just to play a single match.

The more experienced Swedes exploited the wings as Argentina took the central route. The Argentines appeared to have handled the weather conditions better than the Swedes (more used to colder climates).

Astonishingly, Argentina with its impressive Football pedigree would not qualify to another World Cup until 1958.

Photo From: El Mundo Deportivo, May 30, 1934

(cartoon showing ships carrying Brazil, Argentina, USA leaving the boot shaped Italy)

Photo From: Guerin Sportivo I Mondiali del 1934

(May 27, 1934, World Cup, Sweden 3-Argentina 2)

Austria 3-France 2

-Austria and France faced one another at Turin’s Stadio Municipale ‘Benito Mussolini’.

-This was the first match that France had played where a Manager (George Kimpton) had given clear tactical instructions to his players such as individual marking.

Georges Verriest was assigned to man-mark Matthias Sindelar. Kimpton told Verriest to follow Sindelar everywhere even into the Dressing Rooms.

Edmond Delfour and Noël Liétaer were assigned to cover the flanks.

Jacques Mairesse and Etienne Mattler were assigned to guard the center of defense.

Photo From: L’Equipe, L’Equipe de France de Football, la Belle Histoire 

(France squad, May 27, 1934, World Cup, Austria 3-France 2)

-As early as the 5^th minute, France suffered a setback after Jean Nicolas was injured in a clash of heads with Josef Smistik.

He was confined to the right wing (in those days injured players would be shifted to the wings as it was perceived the damage there would be limited).

He was out of the game for several minutes before returning.

Fritz Keller was now moved to be the French Center Forward.

Photo From: Гольдес И.- История чемпионатов мира 1930-1962+

(France’s Jean Nicolas)

(June 9, 1913-September 8, 1978)

-Despite his injury, Nicolas actually gave France the lead in the 18^th minute.

Keller’s cross was deflected back by Franz Cisar in the path of Nicolas who scored.

The Austrians managed to tie the match through Sindelar (taking a pass from Bican) in the 45^th minute.

-For the first time a World Cup match went into overtime as the match was tied (1-1) in regulation time.

Photo From: L’Equipe, L’Equipe de France de Football, la Belle Histoire 

(May 27, 1934, World Cup, Austria 3-France 2)

-Just three minutes into overtime Austria took the lead through a clearly offside goal by Anton Schall.

French goalkeeper Alexis Thépot in fact did not move assuming the call would be made.

Years later Schall himself would admit that it was offside.

Dutch Referee Johannes Van Moorsel consulted with his linesman before validating the goal.

Josef Bican would score Austria’s third in the 109^th minute.

Georges Verriest pulled a goal back for France with a penalty kick in the 115^th minute. The spot kick was awarded after a handball infraction by Karl Szestak ‘Sesta’.

The French had another penalty claim as Sesta appeared to have fouled Keller but it was not called.

-Many were shocked to see Austrian Manager Hugo Meisl give the fascist salute to the crowd.

Former French International and now a noted Journalist Gabriel Hanot recounted how during the match Meisl was very abusive to his players.

He made threats such as sending them back to Vienna and/or face the Austrian Authorities, etc.

According to Hanot, such behavior would have been unacceptable by a French Manager.

Photo From: L’Equipe, L’Equipe de France de Football, la Belle Histoire 

(France goalkeeper Alex Thepot, May 27, 1934, World Cup, Austria 3-France 2)

Photo From: Les Bleus, Le livre officiel de l'equipe de France, Author: Dominique Grimault, 1997

(May 27, 1934, World Cup, Austria 3-France 2)

-The Takeaway from this match was that France had been unlucky and perhaps deserved to win as much as the Austrians. The French had played well despite the loss.

The Austrians had been overconfident and had taken the French lightly.

Had Jean Nicolas not been injured early on perhaps the French would have done better.

France were greeted as heroes upon their return on home soil at Paris‘ Gare-de -Lyon train station.

This match also proved that perhaps the Austrian ‘Wunderteam’ were fading and no longer the force they were just a few years back. The rest of the World Cup would confirm that.

Photo From: Guerin Sportivo I Mondiali del 1934

(May 27, 1934, World Cup, Austria 3-France 2)

Switzerland 3-Holland 2

-Switzerland and Holland faced one another at Milan’s Stadio Calcistico San Siro.

-The Dutch wore dark jerseys (instead of traditional Orange) to avoid a color clash with the Swiss red jerseys.

-The Dutch were favored and had a false sense of security after impressing in the qualifiers.

-The Swiss took the lead in the 7^th minute through Leopold Kielholz after he had been set up by Bossi and Abegglen.

In the 19^th minute the Dutch tied up the match. A foul by Minelli set up a free kick and Puck van Heel set up Kick Smit to head in the equalizer.

Just before halftime, Leopold Kielholz scored his second goal. Raymond Passello crossed for Leopold Kielholz whose shot from a distance deflected on a bump, which deceived the Dutch keeper.

In the 69^th minute, the Swiss scored their third goal. Andre Abegglen scored from a pass by Willy von Känel on a counter attack.

Photo From: Guerin Sportivo I Mondiali del 1934

(May 27, 1934, World Cup, Switzerland 3-Holland 2)

Afterwards the Dutch went on the offensive and scored through Leen Vente in the 84^th minute.

The match ended in controversial fashion. Match Referee, the Swedish Ivan Eklind whistled for a foul in favor of the Dutch near the Swiss goal. However, he whistled for full time just as Kick Smit took a shot (that went in the goal). The Dutch protested but the decision stood and the Swiss had won.

This would not be the first piece of controversy as related to Ivan Eklind.

Photo From: We Caan Naar Rome, Authirs:  Marco van der Laan, Rob Kemper

(May 27, 1934, World Cup, Switzerland 3-Holland 2)

Photo From: Het Nederlands Elftal, De Histoire van Oranje, 1905-1989

(May 27, 1934, World Cup, Switzerland 3-Holland 2)

-Incidentally, the two teams faced one another later in that year in November 4, 1934, in Berne and the Dutch won 4-2.

-The Takeaway from this match was the Dutch had been overconfident and had celebrated too soon. 

The Swiss had scored the Tournament’s first upset.

The Swiss were praised for their fighting spirit and a solid defense.

It was also believed the Dutch were unable to play their normal game in the heat.

The Italian Newspaper ‘La Gazzetta dello Sport’ was praiseworthy of the Swiss game and physical conditions, but also believed that the Dutch could have done better.

There was naturally criticism back home in Holland. Some questioned the inclusion of Gejus van der Meulen. Some felt van Nellen had been a poor replacement in attack for the injured Mijnders. The time spent at the training camp at Cernobbio (for three days) had seemed excessive to some (according to van Nellen the preparations at the camp were overdone).

Photo From: Die Nati, Die Geschichte der Schweizer Fussball-Nationalmanschaft, author Beat Jung, 2006

(Switzerland squad, May 27, 1934, World Cup, Switzerland 3-Holland 2)

Germany 5-Belgium 2

-Germany and Belgium faced one another at Florence’s Stadio Giovanni Berta.

-For Belgium, the players from Union Saint-Gilloise arrived directly from Algiers where the club was on tour.

-Belgium Manager Hector Goetinck (March 5, 1886-June 26, 1943) had also managed Belgium during the 1930 World Cup.

He was the only Manager to have been present from that World Cup in this one.

His contract had run out on May 7^th but the players asked him to remain in charge for the World Cup.

Hector Goetinck was killed on June 26^th, 1943 when a bomb struck his home during World War II.

Photo From: Le Dictioonaire Des Diables Rouges

(Belgium Manager Hector Goetinck in his playing days)

-Belgian reserve August Hellemans had personal business and arrived on day of match.

-The match was played in very hot conditions (36 Degrees Celsius).

Photo From: Deutschlands Fussball Landerspiele, Eine Dokumentation von 1908-1989

(Germany squad, May 27, 1934, World Cup, Germany 5-Belgium 2)

-The Germans took the lead in the 25^th minute through Stanislaus Kobierski.

Just a few minutes, Bernard Voorhhof, a veteran of the 1930 World Cup tied the match for Belgium.

Bernard Voorhhof gave Belgium the lead just before halftime.

It was in the second half that the Germans came alive and took control of the proceedings.

In the 49^th minute, Otto Siffling tied the match for the Germans through an assist by Ernst Lehner.

Photo From: 1974 - Libro Album Fussball - Report Linda

(May 27, 1934, World Cup, Germany 5-Belgium 2)

Photo From: Fussballweltmeisterschaft 1934 Italien, Author Hardy Grune

(May 27, 1934, World Cup, Germany 5-Belgium 2)

Afterwards Edmund Conen scored a hat trick for the Germans (66^th, 70^th, 87^th) to give the Germans a comprehensive (5-2) win.

Conen’s goals were assisted by Stanislaus Kobierski, Paul Zielinski and Karl Hohmann respectively.

At the age of 19, Conen became the youngest goalscorer at this World Cup.

He became the first German player to ever score a hat trick in the World Cup.

The Germans were helped by the fact that Belgium’s Jean Claessens was injured and had left the field temporarily. In those few minutes (66^th, 70^th) Conen scored two of Germany’s goals.

Photo From: Deutschlands Fussball Landerspiele, Eine Dokumentation von 1908-1989

(Germany’s Edmund Conen)

-The Takeaway from this match was that the Germans were a force to be reckoned with Internationally.

They had improved as the match had wore on and tactically seemed sound.

Many felt that had the Belgians Jean Claessens and Frans Peeraer been in better form, Belgium might have limited the damage. The pair were severely bruised in this encounter.

Hungary 4-Egypt 2

-Hungary and Egypt faced one another at Naples’ Stadio Ascarelli.

-It was the first ever match by an African Nation at the World Cup and the first ever European vs. African encounter in a World Cup.

-The Egyptian goalkeeper Mustafa Kamel Mansour was at 20, the youngest goalkeeper of the World Cup.

-The Hungarian Manager Odon Nadas was at 33, the youngest Manager of the World Cup.

-Hungary were missing Gyorgy Sarosi who had been injured in a League match and was not fully fit. Pal Teleki took his place in the squad.

Istvan Avar, Gyula Lázár and Tibor Kemeny were also carrying injuries.

-Hungary had very little time to prepare for the World Cup as the local clubs had released their players late. They could only prepare after the very last league match of the Hungarian League season.

-Hungary took the lead in the 11^th minute through Pal Teleki.

Abdelrahman Fawzi tied the match in the 27^th minute. He became the first ever African player to score in a World Cup.

Hungary took the lead again in the 31^st minute through Geza Toldi.

Abdelrahman Fawzi scored his second goal in the 39^th minute to tie up the match.

Hungary took control in the second half. Jeno Vincze scored Hungary’s third in the 53^rd minute.

Geza Toldi scored his second and Hungary’s fourth in the 61^st minute.

Photo From: Fussballweltmeisterschaft 1934 Italien, Author Hardy Grune

(May 27, 1934, World Cup, Hungary 4-Egypt 2)

-Italian Referee Rinaldo Barlassina ruled out a seemingly valid goal by Mahmoud Mokhtar Rafai ‘El Tetch’, when the score was still (3-2) for Hungary.

He ruled out the goal because Latif had been standing in a (passive) offside position.

-Egyptian goalkeeper Mustafa Kamel Mansour broke his nose in a collision.

Photo From: Guerin Sportivo I Mondiali del 1934

(May 27, 1934, World Cup, Hungary 4-Egypt 2)

-The Takeaway was that even though Hungary had been favored, Egypt gave them a fight and the final score did not really reflect the difference between the teams.

Perhaps it was another case of the seeded team taking the unseeded team lightly.