After the end of the third edition of the FIFA World Cup, some names were raised as the main highlights of the tournament. However, none of these names reached the level of performance that the Italian Silvio Piola and the Brazilian Lêonidas da Silva demonstrated. Both centre-forwards; both decisive pieces for their teams. Brazil and Italy faced each other during the campaign — Brazil without Leônidas, I must point out —, however, with the Italian going through to the final, thus meeting Hungary once again in his career.

Many differed in their opinions regarding the performance of both. Piola, then considered Italy's main player, even surpassing Giuseppe Meazza in the tournament, demonstrated all his incisiveness and exceptional quality as a goalscorer. His importance was such, scoring in almost every match and constantly being a danger, through his actions, for the opposing defenses. The Italian centre-forward reflected his immense difference in style compared to the Brazilian, thus, the Lazio footballer always looking for infiltration, the opportunity created by both inside forwards and the crosses applied by the outside forwards.


JACQUES DE RYSWICK: Piola is constantly in action, fast, powerful, he never hesitates to take his chance, not only to shoot on goal, but to seize the ball.


Through his goals, Italy qualified in each phase until the match against Brazil. Although Piola's shots were violent, he was stopped by goalkeeper Walter. However, a confrontation inside the area with Domingos da Guia resulted in a penalty for the Italians, which was converted by Meazza.

It was in the final, in fact, that Piola achieved success, scoring two goals against Hungary.

Leônidas da Silva, in turn, also performed spectacularly, but with greater prominence in each battle fought on French soil. He showed himself to be a different level of footballer since the first round, when he was seen as an outstanding attraction in the third edition of the tournament. Through a hat-trick, the crack forward qualified Brazil, after a hard-fought match against Poland.


GEORGES BEAUCOURT: They are true virtuosos, acrobats, and I would especially recommend the phenomenon known as Leônidas, who plays the starring role of centre-forward with incomparable brilliance. This small, black-skinned athlete (nicknamed the black diamond in Brazil) has delighted the people of Strasbourg, at the same time as tormenting the Polish defence.


Consequently, he shone in both matches against Czechoslovakia, scoring twice and showing his high level of footballing ability in both matches. Leônidas, however, was not able to play in the semi-final against Italy. Brazil's chances were noticeably diminished; the South American side was eliminated.

O Diamante Negro returned for the third place play-off, securing the spot for Brazil with two goals.

Both stood out a lot, being very important and the main players of their team. However, the spectacle, the important goals which were scored, the acrobatic plays, the genius of Leônidas da Silva, in my opinion, establish the Brazilian as the best of the tournament.

The Brazilian was also the top scorer in the third edition, scoring in every match.