1934 URUGUAY
If there’s one surefire way to guarantee you won’t retain a World Cup, it’s to not turn up. That’s exactly what the inaugural holders Uruguay did back in 1934, boycotting the tournament in Italy. La Celeste had their noses put out of joint by a slew of European countries refusing to travel to Montevideo for the 1930 World Cup, put off by a lengthy boat trip and an economic crisis.
The Uruguayan FA offered to foot the bill for both travel and accommodation, but not a single European side entered. It looked like the tournament might begin with just nine nations – seven from South America, plus Mexico and the USA – until France, Belgium, Yugoslavia and Romania agreed to take part, to complete an awkward 13.
Four years is a long time to hold a grudge, but the Uruguayans managed it. By 1934 they still weren’t in the mood to forgive and forget, so they stayed at home and gave the World Cup a miss. Harumph!
1950 ITALY
No team has ever been reigning World Cup champions for longer than Italy’s class of the 1930s. Having prevailed as hosts in 1934, they retained the crown in France four years later – making Vittorio Pozzo the only coach to win the World Cup twice.
After the
