Editorial Review

Wherever you are on earth, it's only a matter of time before you come across children playing soccer. Another five minutes and you will probably find yourself having a ball rolled to your feet as an invitation to join in the game. Soccer is a common language and a culture shared: a joy, a passion, an escape, and an affirmation of identity understood and celebrated by children—and their parents—in every country around the globe.

For this unique collaborative project, soccer writer Tom Watt talked to the world's top players about growing up and falling in love with the game: Argentina's Lionel Messi and Brazil's Gilberto Silva; England's David James and Scotland's Craig Gordon; Italy's Fabio Cannavaro, Spain's Iker Casillas, and France's Franck RibÉry; South Africa's Benni McCarthy and Nigeria's Nwankwo Kanu; USA's Landon Donovan and Japan's Shunsuke Nakamura; and the world's most famous player, David Beckham.

A Beautiful Game tells their stories, in the players' own words—stories of boys who would grow up to be heroes for a new generation of young players and fans. They look back to their childhoods: to their family homes, to their schoolrooms, to the friends they grew up with, and to the places where they first played the game that has made them stars. The players' words are brought to life with over 160 full-color images that offer rare, emotive, and striking insights into childhood all over the world, and celebrate soccer's ability to touch the lives of children—and adults—wherever the beautiful game is played.

Five percent of the originating publisher's revenue from sales of the book worldwide will benefit selected UNICEF sports-related projects.

Reviews

The game is the big star, May 29, 2010
The bigger picture this book paints of how the game affects lives, all over the world, in profound ways is what is most impressive. The photographs are moving and interweave brilliantly with the short biographies of world famous professionals. Stories from tiny countries to the worlds super powers help you get a sense of what this game represents globally. I suppose it could be any sport, soccer happens to be the most popular game all over the world for good reason: it's simplicity plus it is a universal language. It has a massive impact on lives.

My son loves this book and loves to learn about some of his favorite players. The stories are short and you don't need to read it from front to back. Easy to pick up and flip through for a few moments, gives the reader a real sense of some far away land. It truly is a moving book for anyone, not just a soccer fan

Excellent book for a young soccer fan, July 31, 2010
I bought this for my son's birthday (15). I got a brief chance to look through it before and was impressed with the whole thing. I do plan to go back and read it all. He loves it and has commented a few times how much he likes it and thanked me more than once! He said he has read it through 3 times. He loves the game and this was just a great way to get more info on players he loves and some he doesn't. You won't be disappointed whether for you or as a gift. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

Interesting / Boring / Fascinating
I was made aware of this book when I heard one of the authors give an interview. Many of the topics in the interview weren't in the book, but a host of other areas where. The book is easy to read and well researched. However, it is very much written from a British point of view - so don't let the Americanized title of Soccernomics fool you. It mainly appears to be a book that hopes to explain to the English that they are not the most rabid fans nor the best players of the game they invented 150 years ago.

Some of the chapters were so absolutely fascinating, I couldn't stop reading. Other chapters were so ultimately boring that I skipped them. The good thing is that you can skip around and read each chapter independently without really losing any overall scope of the book.

Even though I didn't agree with some the conclusions and read the data differently, I certainly feel much more knowledgeable about the current game and how we got here. If you are a fan of soccer, you should seriously consider this fact-filled book. It will make for great discussions around the TV during next summer's World Cup.

Excellent Read and Offers Surprise Truths About The World's Game
Offers some very interesting insights into the world of soccer. While some compare it to Michael Lewis's "Moneyball", it differs in that "Moneyball" deals more with baseball at the micro level, while "Soccernomics" deals with soccer at a macro level. There is a lot of statistical analysis of national teams, but no analysis of individual players. In essence this is one of the difficulties of soccer, as it does not naturally lend itself to extreme statistical analysis like baseball does.

My main argument with the book is that it treats the NFL as the US's main export sport. While the NFL is undoubtedly the most popular league in the United States, this is a recent phenomenon. Baseball has traditionally been "America's Past Time" and thus is the sport that the United States spread around the world, although not to the same level that the English spread soccer.

One analysis that I wanted to read about was the success of Latin American teams. In particular an analysis of Mexico and Brazil. Both countries are soccer crazy and have very large populations, but Brazil has won five World Cups and Mexico none. It would be interesting to see an analysis of why this has happend, but the book mainly deals with European teams as their statistics are more reliable.

Best. Soccer. Book. Ever.
Simon Kuper is the long-time weekly sports columnist in the Financial Times, and he is one of the reasons I so look forward to reading the Weekend Edition of the pink paper. When I saw that he had authored a new book about soccer, and then saw more details about what the book would be about, I knew I just had to have it and ordered it here on Amazon at a very purchase-friendly price.

"Soccernomics: Why England Loses, Why Germany and Brazil Win, and Why the U.S., Japan, Australia, Turkey--And Even Iraq--Are Destined To Become The Kings of the World's Most Popular Sport" (336 pages) is co-written by Simon Kuper and Stefan Szymanski, a British economist. An economist, you might ask? Yes indeed, as this book brings a fascinating look into the numbers of soccer. Here a couple of quotes from the book:

-- "In 2002 everyone knew that the obscure, bucktoothed Brazilian kid Ronaldinho must have lucked out with the free kick that sailed into England's net, because he couldn't have been good enough to place it deliberately." (commenting on the English belief of freakish bad luck for their national team).

-- "Our finding: England in the 1980-2001 period outscored its opponents by 0.84 goals per game. That was 0.21 more than we had predicted based on the country's resources. In short, England was not underperforming at all. Contrary to popular opinion, it was over-performing."

-- "Soccer is not only small business business. It's also a bad one. Anyone who spends any time inside soccer discovers that just as oil is part of the oil business, stupidity is part of the soccer business."

-- "Provincial towns like Nottingham, Glasgow, Dortmund, Birmingham or Rotterdam all have won European Cups, while the seven biggest metropolitan areas in Europe--Istanbul, Paris, Moscow, London, St. Petersburg, Berlin and Athens--never have. This points to an odd connection between city size, capital cities and soccer success."

-- "Against all evidence, the stereotype persists that the typical British fan is a full-on Hornby."

-- "Staging a World Cup won't make you rich, but it does tend to cheer you up." (commenting on, among other things, the bogus arguments that staging a large sports event brings significant positive economic consequences for the host).

But if there is only one chapter that I had to pick out from this book, hands down it is "The Economist's Fear of the Penalty Kick", an absolute riveting look at the scientific side of the dreaded penalty kick. Using the analysis developed in game theory, the authors examine how penalty kicks are taken (by the kicker) and defended (by the keeper). It culminates with an in-depth analysis of the Manchester United-Chelsea penalty shoot-out at the 2008 CHampions League final. "Then, in what must have been a chilling moment for Anelka, the Dutch [keeper] pointed with with his left hand to the left corner. 'That's where you're all putting it, isn't it?' he seemed to be saying. Now Anelka had a terrible dilemma. This was game theory in its rawest form". (You'll have to read the rest of it yourself...)

Of all the books on soccer that I have read in my life time, I cannot recall being more enthralled and entertained than by this book. This is a page-turner from start to finish, and for me one of the very best books of the year, sports or otherwise. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Smart, Intelligent, Soccer Writing
The most intelligent book on football ever written. A fascinating plunge that tackles the games misconceptions, dispossessing the perceived wisdom of the elites, and the fanciful hopes of the hopeless. Everything from the stretch including fascinating analysis of the link between suicide rates and a nation's soccer success, and the growing muscle of soccer in lands frozen out for decades. Read a cracking insight into the mind of Guus Hiddink, the Merlin of the modern game. Simon Kuper is an outstanding soccer writer, unmatched. Linking up with Stefan Szymanski, they've pulled on a winning strip with this book. A must have for all futbol fans.

Alan Black
author of Kick the Balls: An Offensive Suburban Odyssey

A Must-Read!: Well-researched, Humorous, Intelligent and Carefully Executed
I first came to know the name Simon Kuper when he was a guest lecturer at a local university in Toronto, Canada. The articulate British author talked about his new novel Soccernomics and some of the core arguments. Despite making some fascinating points about football, he looked uncomfortable and unable to answer some of the questions that the audience prosed in the Q&A period. I was greeted with a great deal of skepticism, but decided to purchase the book anyway.

After reading through the book, I can safely say Soccernomics is fantastic and a must-read for any soccer fan! Stefan Szymanski lives up to his billing as a top sports economist with thorough detail and Kuper fits the part with his commentary including tidbits of witty humour. Correlating statistical analysis with any sport is extremely difficult because you are attempting to satisfy the common reader without flattening the economic methodology. Kuper is to-the-point and articulate in his arguments. Most importantly, he does not make an argument, and then uses statistics to back up his perspective. Rather, he reads through the information, recognizes patterns, and creates a formula. Several fascinating chapters include Core to the Periphery (Guus Hiddink) and why England loses.

Despite the many positives, there are some flaws. At times, the economic analysis is overwhelming and seems suited more for a peer-reviewed journal than a book for the common consumer. As well, some of the variables are far too large (population, income etc) and rarely include common competing variables (other popular sports etc). Furthermore, Kuper is well-travelled and could integrate more of his personal experiences to add some `spice' to the arguments #Hiddink is an excellent example but we also know how he has done speeches at Fenerbah�e Spor Kul�b�.

Needless to say, these our not strong enough weaknesses to warrant it a 4-star. All in all, an excellent book and I would highly recommend it.

4.5/5

One of the top 5 or so books on soccer
A more robust, objective, quantitative approach to soccer is put forth by the authors to help dispel long-held myths and biases held in the game. I really enjoyed reading this book and gave it 5 stars despite some of Soccernomics' shortcomings. Perhaps it is because of this that this book can help generate interest and debate on objective analysis of soccer, similar to the evolution of Sabermetrics, first put forth by Bill James. In general, the authors succeed the most with their focus in the game off of the field, but their treatment of actual game tactics, besides penalty kicks, is answered for through an oversimplification that says that winning teams have adopted a Western European style, whatever that means.

This view ignores the extremely valuable quantitative tactical work done by Lobanovskyi at Dynamo Kyiv that called for a high-tempo pressing game, which developed alongside a similar playing style that focused on system designed to press opponents developed in Holland at around the same time in the 1970's. These two tactical ideas ultimately influenced Arrigo Sacchi to formalize this type of system at Milan in the late 80's and early 90's. The author gives the example of Olympic Lyon as the soccer version of the Oakland A's, but by adopting Sacchi's methods of pressing opponents, Chievo Verona, one of the poorest teams in soccer, was able to effectively compete in Serie A for several seasons, although has bounced back and forth between Serie A and Serie B in recent years. Regardless, Chievo's accomplishment is highly noteworthy, and food for thought for developing a more objective view of tactical systems, a potential topic the authors could touch on in a follow up book or academic paper.

The book also has two glaring inaccuracies that the book's editors overlooked, both of which are in the chapter about the NFL vs. EPL, although neither are anywhere close to fatal. First, Bradford played two seasons in the English Premier League, not one as the book suggests. They survived the 99/00 season on the skin of their teeth in an extremely exciting relegation battle, featuring the aptly named Bradford player Dean Windass saving the day. Bradford later would finish 20th in the 20 team division the following season and has been in free fall ever since. Note that I am not a Bradford fan, but will always remember Dean Windass's heroics. Second, the book suggests ties are not possible in the NFL. This is not true, although the frequency of such events are rare enough to render ties in the NFL almost non-existent. There are typically 1 or maybe 2 ties per season.

Brings conventional soccer wisdom to the level of flat-earth theories
This book totally changes the way you look at and think about football-soccer. It takes an armful of misconceptions and prejudices about the sport and subjects them to the cold analytical regard of economics and statistics. If that doesn't sound like fun, you're wrong. Is England really underperforming when it crashes out at the quarterfinal or semifinal stage? Does a team's loss really provoke suicides or is it possible that the game actually prevents a few? Why don't major European capitals win more Champions' Leagues? Why are major clubs like Man U and Barcelona located in industrial capitals? Does hosting tournaments really bring economic bonanzas to the host nation?

Having lived in Great Britain, I kept coming back to it again and again to it watching the "us against them" frenzy in the British media prior to the England-Germany match in South Africa. And after the match itself, I read the self-flagellating post-mortems about why English football is in decadence (lack of a winter break was one suggestion) with a slightly smug smile. The book is filled with other enlightening tidbits such as how the transfer market usually overpays for center forwards (Ibrahimovic's passage from Inter to Barcelona being a case in point) and confirms other facts you always suspected (direct correlation between the size of a team's payroll and performance in league tables). But singling out specific conclusions does not do it justice, because the pleasure consists in following the authors as they dissect conventional wisdom. Listening to soccer commentary after reading this book feels a little like reading Creationist tracts after Darwin. Will some of its light pierce the darker corners of sports journalism? Alas, probably not, but at the very least the book simply makes it more pleasant to think about the beautiful game. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

Masterful History of Soccer Tactics, March 31, 2009
Outstanding. The book traces the evolution of soccer tactics throughout the world, with recurring chapters on England, continental Europe, Russia, Brazil, and Argentina. The journey begins in England and Scotland in the 19th century, then expands outward.

Wilson masterfully weaves together the stories of some of the most famous teams, the formation they used, and how they played. He writes with the eye for detail of a historian and the writing skills of a novelist. Social and political tie-ins are noted as well, such as the Central European soccer culture of the 1920s and 30's that had strong Jewish roots, the influence of the Brazilian military government in 1970, and of Dutch liberalism in the late 1960s and 1970s and the great Ajax/Holland side.

The quality of his writing far exceeds the norm for sports journalism, whether he's writing about Hungary in the 1950's, the France of Zidane, or Mourinho's Chelsea.

If you've ever wondered about the subtle differences among different formations, such as 4-3-3 vs. 3-5-2 vs. 4-4-2 vs. 4-2-3-1, and the variations within those formations and why they evolved, or for example the playing style of Argentina in 1978 vs. 1986, this is the place to come.

The book dates to late 2008, and includes insights about the formations and playing style of recent and contemporary sides (Roma, Man U, Chelsea, AC Milan, African Nations Cup 2008).

A masterpiece, but a seriously flawed masterpiece, June 12, 2010
This book is admirable for its erudition and its focus on the evolution of tactics from the playing fields of nineteenth century public schools to the present. One really must admire a British specialist who digs into the entire global picture of football and comes up with a relatively comprehensible narrative out of what must have been reams of club histories and match reports that probably contain very little of the information the author seeks. It is readable, informative and occasionally funny. Here comes the "but". Quality really declines toward the end, as if the author was rushing to meet a publishing deadline or simply outsourced the job to a football fan with a bizarre form of Tourrette's that forces him to spout senseless combinations of numbers such as "3-3-3-1, 4-5-1, 3-4-1-2". The next-to-last chapter is completely unreadable. Whereas other chapters developed the story of a single innovator or the situation in a single country, this one just rushed through a myriad of modern formations and discusses sweeping issues such as the disappearance of the playmaker. Another late chapter devotes incomprehensible amounts of space to an obscure polemic between a football statistician and a future England coach. The central narrative is lost completely, which is tied to another central weakness: the lack of occasional paragraphs to sum up the evolution of tactics as the long procession of teams, coaches and players parade through the foreground of the book and just as quickly disappear from view. The title "Inverting the Pyramid" is a brilliant example of this: it sums up an immense amount of information into a neat little compact literary phrase, but that kind of brilliance is somewhat absent from the rest of the book. In short, I enjoyed the book, I learned a lot from it and I will probably return to it frequently after matches, but it really could have used a little more tidying up from an editor (hopefully in a future edition).

Surprisingly Good, February 12, 2010
This is definitely a book for the committed fan but if you are a committed fan, you'll definitely enjoy this book. The quality of writing is very good, well above the level of the great majority of sports journalism, and Wilson appears to be a very thorough researcher. The bibliography is impressive and Wilson deserves credit for grinding through and analyzing a large volume of material, some recondite in the extreme (club histories) and a great deal that must have been rather boring to read (memoirs by famous managers). The result is an interesting, comprehensive history of soccer tactics since the initial development of the game. There are a couple of recurrent themes. Wilson, as befits a Brit, is rather concerned with the state of British football, and the perpetual conservatism of British coaches and managers runs throughout the book. The corollary, the birth of innovation outside Britain outside Britain, even when fathered by expat British coaches, is another theme. Wilson also illustrates well how tactical changes often occurred somewhat in parallel in different countries, an interesting example of convergent evolution. Some changes occur because of rule changes, Herbert Chapman's development of the WM formation with stopper center half being an example. Others arise as logical tactical adaptations, for example, the development of the flat back four or the withdrawn center forward. Some tactical changes are set in train by others. With teams playing a flat back four, traditional wing play became obsolete. Some tactics, like the Swiss precursor to the sweeper, arose because of unique circumstances, in this case, a semi-professional league, and then spread.

There are some real surprises in Wilson's account. Who would have thought that the Soviet Union would host football innovations? In the 1950s, intelligent Soviet coaches were emphasizing aggressive forward play and diagonal runs. By the 70s, Ukrainian coaches were developing the aggressive full field pressing style characteristic of much of the modern game. Usual descriptions of Dutch total football emphasize its attacking propensity but Wilson intelligently points out that this was predicated on aggressive defending, pressing, and playing a high line and aggressive offside trap.

I think Wilson does make one significant omission about something that has influenced soccer significantly in the recent decades - the development of goalie play. The nearly universal existence of big, athletic keepers with decent ball skills is certainly one of the factors that permits the modern pressing game.

The Whole Story, August 6, 2009
This is simply an extraordinary tome. It provides a thorough, dispassionate, yet thoroughly engaging, history of the tactics of football. From the chaos of the fields of nineteenth century England to the modern day Premiership and Serie A, Mr. Wilson traces the development of the beautiful game in each different region with an understanding of how the regional culture created the style of play.
As an American, who played high school soccer in a 2-3-5 in the 1970's, to understand how and why that system went out of vogue in Europe in the 1920's (!) was an eye opener. Further, the implications for the state of the game in the United States and the glaring need for the development of a national "style", for instance a fusion of Latin and Western European tactics, is appallingly obvious.

the dark side of the moon, April 21, 2010
I applaud this unbiased and perceptive analysis of tactical evolution of football. That the East European football has established its own legitimate tradition is unequivocally accepted by experts all over the world. I was extremely lucky to have had first-hand experience in learning coaching techniques from Maslov and Lobanovsky. However, Boris Arkadiev's Football Tactics written in the early fiftes is truly and veritably the bible for any aspiring coach. This book was voted one of the ten best ever written on the subject by the 4-4-2 Magazine a few years ago. It's amazing to read about the mixed (man-to-man and zonal defending), overlapping fullbacks, defending in depth, transition and counter transition group and individual tactics. Unfortunately, neither this book nor Lobanovsky's seminal Modeling of Games and Practices has been translated into English(I have my own English versions of both for my personal use exclusively). The unmitigated passion that Lobanovsky had for "total football" has however generated a lot of controversy; relentless full pitch pressure required radically different training protocols based on periodization and cyclical algorithms. Wilson in his praise for Lobanovsky's methods however, doesn't spend much time elaborating on such crucial issues as player career longevity, susceptibility to injuries, energy systems depletion with diminishing chances of full recovery, and a host of other problems in the wake of "total football" revolution. Lobanovsky's dictum - everything in football can and must be quantified has limited his choice of players resulting in denied opportunities for those gifted individuals who refused to conform to Cartesian rigidity. Oddly, Dynamo Kiev FC switched to zonal defending a la Sacchi only a few years ago, preferring the time-tested libero, and ocassionally experimenting with two sweepers. Lobanovsky's system worked perfectly at club level with the "colonel" exercising complete control over players in a barrack-style environment. For the late sage choosing between the system to fit the available talent or imposing a system on the players at his disposal was no-brainer. It was uncanny to watch the implementation of training algorithms churned out by the late Dr.Zelentzov in conjuction with Skinnerian motivational techniques. And yet, on rare ocassions Lobanovsky's seeming arrogance and imperviousness gave way to manifestations of refined humor and subtle fatalism. Like his favorite toast - Let's drink to the success of our doomed enterprise. The coach whose team had demolished Barcelona with an aggregate score of 7:0 must be quietly chuckling from the bench on a cloud. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Drawing on his work with some of the top teams in professional sports, noted sport psychology consultant Gary Mack shares with you the same techniques and exercises he uses to help elite athletes build mental "muscle." These 40 accessible lessons and inspirational anecdotes will help you gain the "head edge" over the competition. ... Read more

Reviews

Well worth the time and the price. If more tactics, better, December 6, 2005
Many readers said that it's clumsily written. I really cant agree so. It's a little repetitive especially in the second half of it. However, the author did quote a lot of real life examples including successful players' personal quotes to stress the importance of the mind on performance. The key message had been well delivered, for sure. However, it would be better if he could tell more on the "how" side, as in page 9, "One key to achieving success in sports is learning how to focus on the task and not let negative thoughts intrude. The mind can concentrate on only one thing at a time. So, rather than suppress what you dont want to happen, you must focus on what you do want to happen or on some neutral thought. In working with the placekicers, I use a distraction technique. I ask them to create a word that, when said to themselves, will block out all negative thought and help relieve tension."

Certainly a good read for aspiring athletes, for leisure and for life. Anyway, below please find some copy and paste of my favorite messages for your reference.

Competition is won or lost on the six inch playing field between the ears. Practice the seven C's (Competitive, Confident, Control, Committed, Composure, Courage, Consistency) of mental toughness. Learn to love the competition. Pg 28

It takes years of hard work to become an overnight success. Are you willing to make the committment and pay the price. Pg 69

Learn how to fail successfully. Hate to fail but never fear it. Learn to view failure as feedback. Pg 80

You cant outperform your self image. - Dennis Connor. Pg 81

Discipline means doing what you have to do when you need to do it, whether you want to or not. Pg 95

The more you hurry the later you get. When you find yourself rushing you are no longer in the present. Pace instead of race. Pg 144

The less tension and effort, the faster and more powerful you will be. - Bruce Lee / The way to run faster is with four fifths effort. Just take it nice and easy. - Bud Winters Pg 145

The will to win is important, but the will to prepare to win is vital. - Joe Paterno / Failing to prepare is preparing to fail. - Wayne Gretzky Pg 155

Excellence for all life's pursuits, April 30, 2005
Mind Gym is one of my favorite books to pickup whenever I need a little inspiration and encouragement. While the many stories and quotes are derived from the world of professional athletics, the book is really about creating excellence in one's life with applicability to any pursuit and any profession. The main theme is that once one reaches a certain level of competency, the level he achieves in performance will be determined by how well he learns to utilize his mind. With this, the author takes us on a fascinating tour of the minds of some of the world's greatest coaches and athletes; their successes, their challenges, and the mental tools they employed to succeed. To borrow a line from the book, "it takes years of hard work to become an overnight success", Mind Gym is an excellent coach along the way.

Not well written, rehashes other books., June 21, 2005
I have just about every book on the topic of sports performance.

I've read others that were more impactful and helpful.

Granted, this book is good if you're just looking for some inspiration that might eventually lead you to results. For immediate results to use on one's game, however, this book isn't it!

As another reviewer said, it's clumsily written. For my hard earned money, I'd like something that I can actually use on my game right away.

If you're a couch potato athlete that only watches a game, this book is probably good. My brother-in-law loves it. He's never played a sport in his life, but is a big fan. For competitive athletes who are more interested in RESULTS and can get their cliches from TV announcers, this book isn't for them.

I'd give it one star, but those who've met the guy seem to like him enough to log onto amazon and write a review. Nothing personal, but I can't give this anything like the rating the others did.

Crippled by one jaw-droppingly awful flaw, April 5, 2009
Mind Gym's theories on sports psychology are not all that revolutionary. Any good coach will already understand the author's thoughts on discipline, preparation, confidence, positive imagery, etc.; however, there is substantial value in the dozens of anecdotes and stories from household name athletes. These examples make great talking points when explaining psychological concepts to kids.

So, until I was almost finished with the book, I definitely enjoyed it. That was until the author revealed that he has all of his clients close their eyes and listen to "Hero" by Mariah Carey. Wow - talk about a blow to his credibility.

If you believe you can overcome this horrendous nugget of info, then you will probably like this book. But if you, like me, find this just too much to bare, then don't waste your time.

Gary Mack, October 23, 2002
Gary Mack is the author of the sports psychological book "Mind Gym." I rate this book with 5 stars becuase I feel that it is at the top of its catagory. For the athlete who desires to gain a mental edge over his/her opponent, there is no better book to shed light on that subject. I read this book while I was healing from a broken back and it turned me around about how I thought about my sport of gymnastics. Garys book opened many doors for me in the way I thought about competition, training, and everyday life. I recommend it to every athlete in every sport because the psychological side of sports is often overlooked. Gary does a great job creating motivation, and better yet--sport and life lessons.

A great book from a great author, August 24, 2004
I had the fortune of knowing Gary Mack personally when I was playing for the Arizona State's Sundevils men's tennis, back in the 2000. All I can say is that the book was extremely useful to me, both in tennis and private life. The bottom line that we can all learn from it is that it's really all about attitude.
May Gary rest in peace.

Clumsily written, cliched, but with a great message, July 10, 2003
I had initially planned to give it just a skim, but then could not put it down. It is full of cliches and hoary coaching bromides, and is obsessed with commercial spectator sports; but its overall, can-do message negates any faults.

No depth at all, October 18, 2010
The author starts by stating how important psychology for sports is. It is.
After this promising start, however, we are presented with chapter after chapter of - well, nothing.
He states something obvious like "belive in yourself" and underlines this with some quotes and success stories from profs.
Great. This does not help at all. I already knew that I need confidence to excel.
No "how to", no in depth tipps, nothing usefull at all :-(

Best one for athletes!, October 4, 2007
I have read several books on the mental game in sports and this is by far the best. I work with collegiate and professional athletes and recommend this so often that Gary Mack should send me a commission!!!

The Most Important Part of the Game, February 12, 2002
As the mild winter weather promises an earlier than usual start to the golf and tennis seasons, I am thinking about equipment, exercises, instructional videotapes and maybe a short "spring training" trip to Florida. But at the top of my list this year will be a re-read of a little book by Gary Mack that will have more impact than all of the above preparations combined. I learned from "Mind Gym" that, for most of us, how we approach our games mentally is the greatest key to improvement. It made a dramatic difference for me -- in attitude, enjoyment and score! ... Read more

Editorial Review

You don't just play soccer...you live it!This calendar dives headfirst into the world's most popular sport.Each month includes an action photograph accompanied by a bold statement that goes straight to the heart of the game. ... Read more

Editorial Review

"When I was playing, they said soccer was a man's world and that women should remain on the sidelines. All I can say is I'm glad I never had to go up against Mia Hamm."-- Pel�

For the more than seven million girls -- from knobby-kneed tykes to high school and college stars -- who are tearing across the of country chasing a soccer ball and dreams of glory, there is one name that eclipses all others, male or female: Mia Hamm. With her cheetahlike acceleration and lightning-bolt shot, Hamm has broken nearly every record in her sport, while galvanizing a whole generation of fans and players.

Go for the Goal is not only the inspiring story of how a tiny suburban sprite became a global terror with a ball (and the world) at her feet -- it's also a step-by-step or dribble-by-dribble guide for any kid with the all-American dream of making the team and becoming a champion.

Filled with personal anecdotes and fully illustrated with both action and instructional photographs, Go for the Goal shows readers exactly how to master the silky skills and techniques that have made Hamm and her teammates the finest women's soccer team in the world.

Reviews

I really loved this book and I will work to be a pro., November 15, 1999
She gives you a good idea on the game and how to win. She has been through some tough times and she is now telling you how you can survive those hard times. I am taking her advise and training to help me become a better soccer player, because my dream in life is to be a professional soccer player. I had this dream... almost half of my life. I want to thank Mia for writting this book and for helping me learn the best part of soccer is the emotions.

About reaching your goals - in sports and in life..., July 27, 2000
This book is focused toward the teenaged girls who are soccer fans and it does very well to communicate to them. It doesn't use overly complex vocabulary and avoids vague references to soccer history. You can get the message of this book without any knowledge of soccer. It's about the hard work, dedication and teamwork it takes to be a champion - both on and off the field. The downside, as is often the case with Hamm, is that it doesn't touch on her personal life much - the trials she faced as a teen coming up through the National Team program, losing her brother to disease, her marriage to a Marine pilot. It was also written prior to the Women's World Cup and doesn't discuss the sudden celebrity that the women's team achieved in mainstream America after winning the tournament.

Go For The Goal, October 12, 2001
This is an inspiring book, writen by one of the most famous women athletes of today. Mia Hamm wrote this book intending to help out young soccer players and give them great advice. She also including some of her teammates from the U.S. National Soccer Team, including Kristine Lilly, Michelle Akers and Tisha Venturini. This book gives you tips on drills to do during practice and also some tips on how to play with heart and dedication. This is a very easy to read book. She wrote it knowing that younger children would read it. In the back of the book there is a glossary of terminology used throughout the book the reader may not know. Myself growing up I've played soccer since I can remember. This book has helped me a lot throughout the process of organizing an all-girls' soccer team at my school. I would greatly encourage any girl (or boy) who just started playing soccer or who is a veteran of the game to pick up a copy of this book and read it!

Go For The Goal is for all huge fans of Mia Hamm and soccer, July 7, 1999
I bought Go For The Goal: A Champion's Guide to Winning in Soccer and Life just yesterday and I finished it today. I personally think it's an amazing book and if you're a huge Mia Hamm fan like I am you'll love it. She covers some of the most important things about the game. It is really inspirational. Just by reading all the tips and techniques in the book I've improved my game. I hope it does the same for you. I encourage you to buy Go For The Goal because it's one of the best soccer books. Mia Hamm did an excellent job.

Not as good as I expected, September 23, 1999
I was a little disappointed to learn, after starting the book, that it is really geared for kids/teens. (It makes reference to "your parents" letting you watch soccer on TV.) I would have liked to know that before I bought it. Also, she really seems to stress the importance of mastering specific skills and doing repetitious drills at a very young age. As the coach of a 9-year-old girls team, I really believe that stressing drills, albeit to develop important skills, at this point in their development would bore them and potentially drive their interests elsewhere. For nine year olds, the most important thing is to keep it fun, so they keep coming back. After reading all the other glowing reviews, I guess I expected a little more.

The Most Inspiring book for teenage girls, November 22, 2000
This book was the most inspiring book I have ever read. It gives you a mind set for when your on the field your ON the field. And when you're ready to get on there you've got to have your game face on. Me, being an ODP player and my soccer team won the state cup last year and our team was less than a year old, then went to regionals and were undefeated, this book taught me a lot on how to be a better teammate. It taught me to get on that field and practice sprints even with my speed that i've been gifted with because people will catch up, you must take risks to be and winner.

Mia Hamm-SoccerPlayer/Writer, December 26, 1999
Mia Hamm's book, "Goal For The Goal," is the best book I have read. It helps all soccer players improve their game, by showing training drills and it has great advice that motivates players. Mia Hamm and the rest of the Women's National team are my role models. Mia Hamm, to me wrote this book perfectly, and anyone who wants to play soccer or plays soccer already should read this book. It will inspire you to do so much more than you already can do.

Inspiring!, January 17, 2000
This was a great book for those of you who like to play soccer. It mainly talks about technique and skill for the game but still talks about the National Team and there sporstmanship towards each other. I find this team inspiring! Watching WOMEN play and win like that make you shiver. This just goes to show you that anything is possble if you work hard enough at it! So this book was great and I recommed it to everone!

I am buying this book for my entire U-12 girls soccer team.!, August 22, 1999
Girls don't have the role-models that boys do. As a U-11 girls coach I asked the girls to tell me about their sports heros (soccer or otherwise). Most had none. Pose the same question to eleven-year-old boys, and hear a VERY different answer. This fall we are using it as our team bible. This kind of reading could motivate a young girl for life. It teaches to strive for greatness in all that you do, and all in the conext of a young girl who grows to be a fierce competitor and wonderful person.

Numba 1 Baller in the world!!!, March 16, 2003
This book is about Mia Hamm and her accomplishments throughout her life. The main character is Mia Hamm and at the end it talks about her U.S.A. team and players. Mia Hamm did have many adventures before becoming what she is today. Like working hard and not letting anything break her concentration. Mia also went through many obstacles in her life to become what she wanted to be, A Professional Soccer Player. Obstacles contain trying to show her ability and skill by playing against players older than her, getting into the University of North Carolina, and getting accepted by the U.S.A. coach. My favorite character is Mia, because to me she is the best soccer player, a good role model for kids, and the number one goal scorer! I can relate Mia Hamm. She started playing soccer when she was very little and she kept forcing herslef to become the best. I am doing the same thing, because I started playing when I was vety little, and I want to become the best. I look up to Mia. I also feel some of the things that Mia did. I felt that I couldn't do cetain things and that I was scared of playing against older girls than me.

I really love this book a lot. The whole book was my favorite. In other words every single part of this book I loved!

I would highly recommend this book, because it is very interesting, and it incourages soccer players to never give up on their dream. A type of person that would realy like this book would be of course A SOCCER PLAYER!!! ... Read more

Editorial Review

The definitive book about soccer. With a new foreword for the American edition.

There may be no cultural practice more global than soccer. Rites of birth and marriage are infinitely diverse, but the rules of soccer are universal. No world religion can match its geographical scope. The single greatest simultaneous human collective experience is the World Cup final.

In this extraordinary tour de force, David Goldblatt tells the full story of soccer's rise from chaotic folk ritual to the world's most popular sport-now poised to fully establish itself in the USA. Already celebrated internationally, The Ball Is Round illuminates soccer's role in the political and social histories of modern societies, but never loses sight of the beauty, joy, and excitement of the game itself. ... Read more

Reviews

A book which I hoped would never end but I finished far too quickly, February 1, 2008
I've read a lot of books about sports in my relatively short time on this planet and while I have really enjoyed many of them and reread a few multiple times, this was definitely the first sports-related book I have ever NOT wanted to finish. Based on my rating, you can tell I mean this in a completely positive way: this book was easily one of the most informative and engaging texts I have ever had the pleasure of reading.

The main point of this text is the history of soccer (or football, whichever you may prefer - I'm an American, so soccer it is), which is clear from the subtitle on the cover. Yet there is so, so, so much more contained within the roughly 900 pages that span the book's binding. You have a lot of politics, great human successes and failures, stories of survival and disaster, as well as small passages that set you in a certain time and space where Goldblatt takes you to a scene important to the chapter or section.

For a well-read fan of the game, the importance of this book lies in the first half of it, as Goldblatt starts from the very beginning, discussing ball games of the ancient world, moving to the late 19th century and the creation of the English FA and the FA Cup, the development of professionalism (both accepted and hidden) versus amateurism, and while he obviously takes the history all the way to the present, the first half of the book opens up a history of the sport that many know absolutely nothing about. Soccer in the first half of the 20th century is not a well-known history, one Goldblatt marvelously elucidates.

For those who like the sport but know little about it, the book shows you how much there was to soccer before the advent of the Premier League, corporate sponsorship, and 32 teams in the World Cup. Goldblatt does a tremendous job of really digging into the social and political implications and uses of the sport in various countries, from the first world to the third.

Perhaps the most impressive part is that this text is all-inclusive. You don't just get a history of European soccer with a decent bit about South America and occasional mentions or anecdotes from Africa, North America, Australia, or Asia. Goldblatt delves into every continent's history and relationship to the game, truly showing how soccer really is the global game. All in all, this is a fantastic read and I highly recommend it to anyone.

Colossal yet Readable, January 15, 2008
I found this book to be phenomenal. I must admit that I am a rather new prosylyte to "futbol" or soccer as we call it here in the States. I really new nothing about the history of the sport and very little about modern rules or teams or leagues. That having been said, I found the book to be very informative. Goldblatt begins with the "pre-history" of soccer, exposing many nationalist myths about soccer's origins and placing it firmly into the realm of a Celtic game taken up by elite public school boys in Victorian England.

The chapters dealt with specific subjects and I actually found the book to be extremely well organized. Time periods are gone through and after World War I, Goldblatt begins seperating chapters by region (Latin America from 1934-1954, Europe from 1934-1954, Africa from 1900-1974, Latin America from 1955-1974, etc.).

Having said all of that, what made this book especially interesting to me was the placing of soccer within a much larger context. He takes the narrative of soccer and places it within the meta-narrative of world history, economics, sociology, and anthropology. Soccer serves as the thread through which modern history is successfully traced. The writing is brilliant, at times incredibly deep, but always readable and always urging the reader to continue. Each chapter contains a reflection on a notable match of that time period. These are written in a completely different style than the rest of the book and are absolutely incredible. The writing is brilliant and the imagery is transportive.

All in all, more than deserving of five stars. This soccer "newbie" has become a seasoned vet in a span of less than one thousand pages.

The Football Bible, January 29, 2008
This is amazing, wide ranging work that tells the story of football (soccer) and places it in the social context of the times. It is a dense and scholarly work which covers a lot of world history and social class because football does not stand on it's own as simply a game but it is much more important than life and death(to paraphrase Bill Shankly's famous quote).
Goldblatt is a very good writer who had me reaching for the Dictionary, who is able to synthesize the rich history of world football into a readable account. I appreciate the match accounts from great matches.
I see this book as an companion to the excellent History of Football BBC series. The only drawback with this book is that it should have more photos

Did They Actually Read The Whole Thing?, December 9, 2009
My title is not directed at other reviewers here, but at the many glowing reviews for this book featured on its cover and first pages. This is not a beautifully written book, the majority of it is extremely tedious, and at its worst the writing is virtually incoherent.

THE BALL IS ROUND is touted as a history of soccer, but it is ultimately a book about world history in the 20th Century, with soccer as the lens through which that history is viewed. This is an important distinction to make, because reading this book will give you little understanding of the tactical evolution of the game, the famous personalities, players, coaches, the legendary moments of triumph and failure, the great rivalries between teams. The book is much more interested in the politcal and historical aspects of the game's history, and much less so in the sporting ones.

Nevertheless, the book is extremely comprehensive in the outlook that it does take. Goldblatt examines the history of the game on practically (often literally) a nation by nation basis, covering the entire world. He divides the book both by historical era and geographical location, so that chapters generally alternate back and forth from one continent to the next while the book proceeds gradually forward through historical time. Unfortunately, much of this content ends up being tedious and scrapped together.

THE BALL IS ROUND starts off well, the sections about the early history of the game are excellent and I recommend them, but after the first one or two hundred pages, the quality of prose and content rapidly decline. Goldblatt approaches this history with a relentless determination both to editorialize it and to cast it in literary terms, leading to often tortured descriptions of situations and events. It becomes a long, slow, uphill slog. There is a lot of information here, but you will really have to work for it. The book's prose and structural coherence gradually disintegrate into an awkward litany of facts and propositions, even to the point of virtual incoherence. For example, "If the Premiereship has come to signal the renascent successes and costs of England's new commercially minded private sector and the tastes of its comfortable middle classes, the fate of the national team has offered more complex readings." Really slow down and try to parse that sentence.

With a lot more editing, and perhaps another year or three of work, I think this book could have realized its high ambitions and been a classic. As it is, it is neither a good historical survey nor an engaging read for the football/soccer enthusiast. There is much to learn about world history and the history of soccer within the pages of THE BALL IS ROUND, and the sections on the early history of the sport are really very good, but the middle sections of the book lack structure and are poorly written. It gets a bit better again towards the end.

One interesting thing this book revealed was how rife with corruption the entire history of the sport of soccer has been. Goldblatt does not shy away from these ugly moments, which are often swept under the rug by other books and commentators.

I wish I could give this book a more positive review, but I have to be honest. I know of few readers who would push past the two or three hundred page mark on this one, and perhaps that is why there are only a handful of reviews here in spite of the sport's surging popularity in the US. Being stubborn and reading the whole thing like I did is unlikely to be a satisfying use of your time.

Must Have for Soccer Fans!, August 19, 2010
I have had a dabbling interest in soccer for a few years now, mostly watching EPL games, and whatever MLS games I can find locally. I really started to get more into the game globally since the 2010 World Cup. I thought this book might help me 'catch up' on the culture surrounding The Beautiful Game, and boy, was I right!

The Ball is Round: A Global History of Soccer is a great read for long time fans, or people just new to the sport. As an American, it is hard to comprehend how the rest of the world has been shaped by this game. Just as baseball is interwoven into the fabric of American modern history, so too is football (or soccer) for the rest of the world. From rebuilding the proud heritage of Germany and Eastern Europe after World War II, to helping England move from an empirical power to a member of a global community, to sparking social, political, and criminal revolutions in South America, and bringing both European and South American culture to the African continent, football has helped shape most of the modern civilizations currently thriving on our planet, and there is no better way to experience these effects than through this incredibly comprehensive text.

I should include a disclaimer, if you do not really, REALLY like the sport, this probably isn't the book for you. While there is much modern world history interspersed with the minutiae of football's past, there are probably better options from a strictly historical perspective. If, however, you are interested in seeing how cultures across the globe have evolved through sport, there is no better text.

So the next time you insult a linesman, post a harsh comment on a soccer blog, or lambaste your team for not adding a new striker, take heart that you are a member of a world community. If you want to know more, David Goldblatt will be happy to educate you.

The Ball is Round, November 14, 2010
The Ball is Round is possibly the most comprehensive and thorough book on the sport of football or soccer - depending on where you're reading this from - ever compiled and written; weighing in at a smidge under a thousand pages, after reading it cover to cover you will be able to hold an argument with any well versed football hooligan on the planet, or have a discussion with any professional sportscaster. While David Goldblatt hasn't much to his name, other than the Dorling Kindersley World Football Yearbook, The Ball is Round is an ideal book whether you consider yourself a soccer aficionado who knows everything there is to know, or whether you're new to the sport and wish to satisfy a curiosity.

Goldblatt begins at the beginning with a somewhat brief but complete history of soccer, due to the lack of evidence on the subject. While he doesn't necessarily say one specific country was the sole creator of the international sport, he does indicate that England was the first to play the closest relation to the modern day version. Nevertheless, it is an interesting look back at the different cultures that used a type of ball for sport, such as in China, where it would be bounced off the trunks of trees, or a simplified version that was played in the Americas involving not just feet, but hands and all parts of the body.

It is during the nineteenth century that football or soccer as we know came to be played and here Goldblatt outdoes him with the details of people, places and times, going up through the years and decades. Once passed the First World War, Goldblatt breaks it down even further, dividing the time periods by location, from Europe to Latin America to Africa. But the author doesn't simply tell the complete history of soccer, but also relates to the importance of culture, economics, sociology, and anthropology. For a sport that has become so ingrained in so many societies for some time - for countries like Spain and Italy and South America where it is the lifeblood - Goldblatt goes beyond just the sport, but extending it as a metaphor for the world, the ultimate uniter.

Twenty years in the making, Goldblatt traveled to many different places around the world for both research and inspiration. There is even a preface for the paperback edition where he discusses why soccer has not become as popular and prevalent a sport in the United States as it has in the rest of the world, explaining its completely different pacing, layout, and scoring system as opposed to the major American sports like baseball, football, and basketball. The Ball is Round literally has something for everyone, and with a thorough list of contents and index, along with some interesting photos, it's also the ideal reference manual.

Originally written on February 16th 2008 �Alex C. Telander.

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Editorial Review

Soccer is much more than a game, or even a way of life. It's a perfect window into the crosscurrents of today's world, with all its joys and sorrows. In this remarkably insightful, wide-ranging work of reportage, Franklin Foer takes us on a surprising tour through the world of soccer, shining a spotlight on the clash of civilizations, the international economy, and just about everything in between. How Soccer Explains the World is an utterly original book that makes sense of our troubled times.

Reviews

oh dear, November 12, 2004
I picked this up when in the States; a football loving Brit who watches games around the world wanting to read a 'yank's' take on the beautiful game.

The author writes well. It is a fun read, but since getting back to England I've gained many cheap laughs by reading excerpts out loud.You have to trust an author when he states something as fact, but whenever I came across something I had personal knowledge of he gets it wrong.

His chapter on Ukrainian racism ends with him saying the racist abuse of black players there is not as bad as in England.Racist abuse was bad here 30 years ago, but disappeared many years ago.He talks of Iranian players `emigrating to play in English football- there's not one. He refers to the 1998 World Game, Germany v Iran, and says the`stadium was full of pro democracy Iranians. It was not. I was at that game . The stadium was full of Germans. And as for his`piece on Tottenham- someone was clearly winding him up.

This might seem picky, but instances like these made me suspect what he was saying about things I knew nothing about. If you want to read about football, pick up Simon Kuper's book 'Football against the enemy',David Winner's ' Brilliant Orange' and Pete Davie's brilliant 'All Played Out'. This book explained nothing

This is very familiar ground, July 9, 2004
Foer is an excellent writer, and for those who aren't familiar with the history of the sport this is an excellent introduction. For those who are already well-read on football, much of this will be too familiar. The religious and political context of the Celtic v. Rangers rivalry, the laughable corruption of Brazilian football, and basically every other story in this book has already been covered by other writers. Though the globalization theme tries to bring a new perspective to these old stories, it just feels gimmicky. If you've already read Simon Kuper's FOOTBALL AGAINST THE ENEMY you'll regret spending your money here. If you haven't read Kuper's book, but you're interested in the sport, buy it immediately. This is light reading designed for those who know nothing about the sport's history. For those looking for more depth and more entertainment, skip this and go straight to Kuper, David Winner's BRILLIANT ORANGE, and Alex Bellos' FUTEBOL: SOCCER, THE BRAZILIAN WAY. All three are excellent, entertaining, and provide more insight into the topics Foer touches on. To summarize: the typical American reader with limited soccer knowledge will enjoy this, those with real interest in the subject would do well to move on to more meaty fare.

Doesn't live up to premise of title...still a good read, July 27, 2005
I suppose a book titled "10 Essays of the Political, Social, and Economic Underpinnings of Soccer" won't sell as many books, but in this case, would be more accurate. Maybe "How the World Explains Soccer" would be the better way to go. I had high expectations when I bought this, and while it's a good read, it was hard not to be disappointed with the book not really delivering on the title.

That said, some of the chapters were compelling. The first chapter demonstrating how Red Star Brigade was instrumental in Serbian nationalism in the 90's was rather chilling. The chapter on Celtic-Chelsea rivalry and Nigerians playing in the Ukraine were also most interesting to me. As a soccer fan that catches the occasional MLS match on US television, follows the US national team, and watches several World Cup matches every four years, I found the essays broadened my appreciation for the sport. More dedicated fans of the beautiful game will probably find some of the essays less informative, since a few seemed more like good reporting and really didn't have anything really profound to say, despite Foer trying mightily to do so.

A Page Turner., June 23, 2005
Let me just say that, like the author Franklin Foer, I am a huge fan of international soccer and really love watching the World Cup every four years. It's a far more entertaining month, in my mind, than The Olympics. That's why I gave this book a chance. As far as soccer goes, the book is fantastic. The politics subplot left much to be desired, however, but that wasn't why I bought it in the first place.

Each of the chapters tells a different story about soccer within a different area of the world. Europe is, of course, represented heavily. An inside look at teams like Red Star Belgrade would make anybody twice as happy to be a United States citizen. Our sports have Holly Hobby characters by comparison. The rivalry between the two Glasgow teams, the Protestant Rangers and the Catholic Celtic, is unlike anything that we have in this nation. It makes the Red Sox/Yankees rivalry look like a Soap Box Derby. The intensity of these matches and its meaning for the fans is something that Foer excels at describing. One can practically see the Tottenham supporters and their emblems of their philosemitism in the stands, and that chapter, in particular, is brilliantly written. It is ironic that a sport, referred to in one editorial as "a slum sport played by slum people" can produce so much grandeur and memory.

The story of Brazilian team soccer, and its rule by top hats, is rather depressing. It appears that the entire league is hopelessly corrupt, which may be a reason that so many of their superstars play elsewhere.

The only problem that I had with Foer as a narrator is that he seems completely infected with political correctness. He goes in search of finding a team to support and chooses Barcelona, but is dedicated to avoiding teams with a past history of racism or fascism or whatever -ism happens to be trendy at the moment. The problem with this is that what transpires on the pitch has little to do with the thoughts that race through each supporters' head. You cannot vouch for the sanity of your fellow fans, and you cannot blame team ownership for what former owners did before their individual births. Soccer is a noble game; let's not reduce it to the level of politics or worry about a past that those of us in the present had zero control over.

A Few Things to Say about Soccer, not Much about Globalization, May 3, 2006
This is certainly not a terrible book, but it also isn't the book described by the title and subtitle. As other reviewers have mentioned, it's primarily a collection of vignettes, some very interesting but most only slightly insightful. The author, editor, and publisher are clearly aware of this since the most interesting bits huddle near the front of the book. As you reach the middle and end, it begins to stumble along (and you begin to wonder when the "unlikely theory" of globalization comes in).

Foer provides evidence but offers no thesis. He says, "You can tell about globalization by looking at soccer, and here's what I found as I traveled and studied soccer." The reader is left to draw his or her own conclusions. Foer actually seems to avoid drawing conclusions since he often presents ideas following a "Some say this, while others might conclude the opposite" pattern. It also suffers from a common problem in books like these--the claims it does make are huge, as though a single soccer game could really inspire the Romanian revolution, the American culture wars, or the relaxation of fundamentalist Islam. Foer comes across as fairly certain he understands complex global issues despite his inability to develop a coherent theory of globalization!

In the end, this is a book with a lot of promise but not much else. It feels like a book that was sold as an idea, and the final product didn't fulfill the original goal. Choose a book on soccer or a book on globalization, but wait for a better book on globalization as seen through soccer.

Title very misleading, but an overall good read, July 25, 2005
The author tries a little too hard to connect globalization to the soccer (football) world, and pretty much comes up short on all vignettes, but he does do a fine job of explaining the underworlds of club hooligan gangs, and the ways they can influence the whole of society. He also explains many of the politics of the sport on several continents and how they differ and are similar. Globalization is touched upon the most in the section on the way clubs acquire and sell players across national boundaries and how they began to exploit players from Africa and South America to make soccer a truly international sport.

Explains Nothing, April 27, 2006
There is definitely a book to be written about football and globalisation, but sadly this isn't it. Foer has written a book with a great title, but not much else, and it will fail to please either those interested in football or in globalisation.

What we do get is a series of vignettes, that feel like, and probably originally were, magazine pieces. These are mostly entertainingly written, but reveal nothing at all about globalisation and little about football. Foer's central proposition seems to be that throughout the world people still cling to their links to their local football club and play out their hopes, dreams, aspirations and local antagonisms through these allegiances - clearly there is much more at stake here than a couple of hours entertainment on a Saturday.

Foer seems to be surprised and excited by this - surely this is exactly the sort of localism the wave of globalisation is supposed to have drowned? But with respect, perhaps this can only be surprising to a writer from a nation where sporting teams are referred to as "franchises" and are regularly marched around the country in search of a more lucrative demographic and preferential playing conditions. To most football fans, a strong bond to your chosen (usually local) team is self evident.

Not so for Foer - he describes Barcelona as "his team" and has clearly bought into the romance of Catalan nationalism that he sees as a key element of the Barcelona "brand". But if this book has any lesson at all it is that outsiders like him can enjoy watching the team, but never really be part of the passion and commitment of local supporters - he'd be better off following DC United.

The chapters vary in quality; Foer's chapter on the involvment of Serbian football hooligans in the Yugoslav civil wars and Arkan's involvement in running a suspiciously succesful club is perhaps his best. But otherwise, his chapter on the difficulties and hostility faced by Nigerian footballers playing in the Ukranian leagues has been done previously (and better) by Alex Bellos in his descriptions - in "Futebol" - of Brazilian footballers lost in Iceland. His chapter on sectarian rivalry between Celtic and Rangers is superficial, his treatment of English soccer hooliganism frankly inane, and his chapter on Islam and football both absurd and wildly inaccurate.

All in all, a book that disappoints on almost all levels..

This is well-trod ground, July 9, 2004
Foer is an excellent writer, but for football fans who read a lot about the sport, much of this will seem overly familiar. Though he does his best to bring a new perspective to these stories, his focus on globalization still ends up feeling gimmicky. The religious and political aspects of the Celtic v. Rangers rivalry, the ludicrous corruption of Brazilian football, and many of the other stories here have been well-covered by writers like Simon Kuper, Alex Bellos and others. While I think Foer's name and reputation might help introduce non-fans to some of football's fascinating history--and that's a good thing--football fans who are well-read on the topic will wonder why Foer bothered writing what's already been written. For an introduction to the history of the sport, this isn't bad at all, but Kuper's book is better. Those who are truly interested should skip this and read Kuper's FOOTBALL AGAINST THE ENEMY, David Winner's BRILLIANT ORANGE, and Alex Bellos's FUTEBOL: SOCCER, THE BRAZILIAN WAY. This is not a bad book, but there's nothing new here and other writers have said it better.

A Book Not Yet Written, June 6, 2008
Franklin Foer is definitely onto something. Indeed soccer might ultimately explain the world. Unfortunately the National Best Seller he has written, "How Soccer Explains the World", does not. Yet Foer is a good writer. His chapters are nice introductory essays on the culture of soccer in it's many forms throughout the world. He stops well short of linking the many disparate aspects of multi-cultural supporter rivalry, prejudice, and greed into why the beautiful game is, in fact, such a phenomenon throughout the world. Soccer fans will enjoy this book for the insight into leagues they do not follow and for some historical trivia. Others might enjoy it just so that can laugh at the absolute freaks who show up to support their passion and sadly for the crimes against humanity committed in its name. But he does not explain, to the uninitiated, why soccer is the world wide beautiful game. Those of us who play or follow the sport, might think we know how soccer explains the world because we live it, it's a part of our lives, we feel it everyday. But the same is true for any other passionate human endeavor. If you are passionate about it, it is the undisputed answer to the world and holds the key to the meaning of life -- serious stuff. So a book claiming to actually know why, not just locally but globally, must stand up to it's title. There's a lot of competition out there and Foer fails to bring anything else to the table for a comparison -- but he could. Further, he does not link the fundamental building blocks of society into the game -- he touches on them, but does not link them into society -- I guess that's because he is an economist and not a sociologist or a theologist. However as an economist he really misses the big business that is soccer. Without a chapter devoted to the business of soccer he has ignored a very important link. If soccer explains the world than FIFA must be running the world, for example. There is no chapter on FIFA. And if soccer is akin to religion, while he did write a chapter about the King, he failed to mention God. Where is Diego Maradona? And if soccer is a social building block -- while he does mention yuppies in America, where soccer is the least stringent of societal glue, he does not mention the societies where soccer is one of the very few but incredibly binding influences. So to recap -- no elements of the beautiful game itself, no comparisons to other global influences, and no expansion into other phenomenon directly attributable to a functioning society. Foer wrote some nice essays after taking the opportunity to travel the world. I am envious to say the least. But he failed miserably to live up to the title of the book. Perhaps he should write a sequel and call it -- "How Soccer Really Explains the World". For now we must continue to wait for the explanation of what we already know.

Foer makes a huge stretch; still and interesting read, June 25, 2008
_How Soccer Explains the World_ is an unfortunately misleading title; rather than explain the world, Foer uses soccer as a metaphor for globalization and the various reactions of parts of the world to it. He is only partially successful in this.

Evidentially the opposite of globalism isn't nationalism, but what Foer referrs to as "tribalism", as demonstrated by English (and Serbian) "soccer hooligans." How this has developed and been used by the likes of Slobodan Milosevic was an interesting premise, if a bit of a stretch. The global recruitment of soccer players - Nigerians playing for Ukraine, Brazilians playing for anybody, Dutch coaches working in the Near East - are cited as evidence of how soccer has become a "global marketplace" - with mixed results. The metaphor fits on one level (yes, it IS global - how 'bout that?) but fails horribly on another. (How can one make generalizations about the way a "nation" plays soccer?)

Foer also goes into great detail about the politics of the sport - I think he was on to something here, but the idea was only one of several that he persued, to its detriment. (In addition to the "national styles" of coaching and playing, Foer also discussed the sociology of the sport and its appeal - or lack of - in the United States, and its role as a social safety valve in Spain and Iran.) His would have been a stronger case had he pursued only one idea, rather than several.

As a soccer fan, I enjoyed his detailing the stadiums, the chants between rival teams, and (especially) his thoughts on soccer in America. Given his thesis, though, it only warrants 3 stars. An interesting book and there is much to like here - but the central idea, sadly, is very thin. ... Read more

Editorial Review

This is a book about identity, belonging, obsession; about afternoons in the driving rain and bitter cold and glorious, unforgettable goals; getting your head read in Hampstead and punched at Highbury; the dazzling skills of the gods of football and leaving your girlfriend lying fainted on the terraces because Arsenal are about to score. It's about the moments of ecstasy in one man's life. And his pain. And it's about the only true question there is: Which comes first, Football or Life? ... Read more

Reviews

A must read for sports fans, not just soccer (footy) fans, August 18, 1999
This is without a doubt the best book on football (soccer) that I have ever read. It is also the best book dealing with sports that I have ever read. It describes like no other book I have read what it means to be a fan.

Although this book follows the life of an Arsenal supporter, anyone can read it, because Hornby's experiences are no different than those of any committed, "obsessed" football fan. I am a Leeds supporter, and much of what Hornby said described what I feel, so perfectly. I especially liked the part when he went on about wanting to switch allegiances if he could, but found out that he couldn't because he was too emotionally tied to Arsenal. No matter how poorly they played, or how frustrated they made him feel, he still supported the club. I've felt the same way about Leeds on many an occasion.

A great book about life, not just about football.

Beware What This Book Might Do To You, August 8, 2002
I've been meaning to write a review of this book for a long time, but since Nick Hornby reawakened in me many of my childhood sports fan obsessions when I read it for the first time in 1999, I've been too busy. Not only did "Fever Pitch" remind me how irrationally and how much I loved my own hometown team (the heartbreaking Boston Red Sox) but he turned me into a fan of English football and his own Arsenal Gunners to the point where I follow them daily on ESPN's soccernet, LISTEN (!?) to them on internet radio broadcasts and have even gone to two games in London over the past two years. It's sick really, and I suppose it's not the kind of thing Hornby would have wanted when he wrote this quintessential memoir of growing up a soccer fan in England, but I've enjoyed it

"Fever Pitch" is an obsessive's tale as much as it is a fan's story, and so should appeal to the same wide audience that enjoys his excellent novels (It was my love for "High Fidelity" that sent me straight to this book). It is a memoir of surprising depth considering how it is organized only by the dates of soccer matches between 1968 and 1991, and it makes perfect sense that Hornby, or any true fan, should see the rest of his life (parents' divorce, his own education, romantic and career trouble) primarily as it relates to the team he spends so much time, money and psychic energy on.

The irony, for me, was finding out after I read "Fever Pitch" for the first time that Arsenal was one of the top teams of the last decade in England, so Hornby at least gets to feel the joy that we Red Sox fans are still waiting for. Sure, we're ecstatic the Pats won the Super Bowl, but our lives will change forever when Boston brings home the World Series. But after "Fever Pitch," I'll remember to laugh like the rest of the world laughs when American sports leagues crown their title-holders "world" champions.

The inspiration behind 'High Fidelity' and 'About a Boy', March 19, 2000
With 'High Fidelity' opening in theatres soon (supposedly at the end of March 2000), the buzz from Nick Hornby's work will reach a fever pitch. Want to know where Hornby finds the inspiration and raw material to craft the exquisitely detailed and accurate pictures of male angst such as Rob Fleming ('High Fidelity') or Will Freeman ('About a Boy')? Look no further than the life of Hornby himself.

On the surface, 'Fever Pitch' follows Hornby's life-long obession with Arsenal, the English Premier league team he dutifully follows through good times and bad. But this is more than a story about football (or soccer, if you will). It's also the story of a complex person struggling to make things right with his family, the various woman that pass through his life, and his career.

Make no mistake: the brilliant writer that created Rob Fleming did not appear overnight. Like Rob, Hornby struggled with his passions for years before achieving his breakthrough with 'Fever Pitch.' A previous reviewer notes that this is a biography that does not work because of the author's lack of an 'interesting life.' I disagree - the reason Rob Fleming connects with so many readers (see the 'High Fidelity' customer review section for the raptorous comments from men and women alike) is because of his normalcy and our shock at seeing so many of our own thoughts crystallized so perfectly on the page.

The same holds true for 'Fever Pitch,' but with the caveat that a lot of what you read here is distilled through the experience of English football.

My recommendation: if you're a football/soccer fanatic, this is a book you simply must read and keep in your collection, regardless of whether you've read either of Hornby's other works. If don't know *anything* about the game and are not too keen to learn, read this book only after you've read 'High Fidelity' and 'About a Boy.' Then sit back and marvel at the connections between the trilogy of characters that are Hornby, Fleming, and Freeman.

passion of england, brought to life, January 14, 2000
In this book is brought to life the passion felt by every true english football (soccer for Americans)fan. I can relate to Hornsby being an avid supporter of second division team Oldham Athletic. Five years ago we were in the premiership and beating Man Utd; one of our local rivals, one nil at Wembley in the F.A Cup semi-final, last year we barely avoided relegation. I am part of the 5,000 faithful who turn up every week in the usual rain, hopeful that the good days will return (If they do I hope the 20,000 Man Utd glory hunters don't return also). Although being a Gunner, Hornsbys' days of pain are pretty much over, people around the world should take the opportunity to see how much a part of english lives football really is. Sticking with your team through the lowest of the lows, and the feeling you get from the highs. You could say its only a game, but to the english its a way of life, we have an innate love. This is conveyed in Hornsbys' book, and after reading it, you can begin to understand just how gutted and depressed every english person alive felt after Euro '96 and World Cup '98. Come on America, you may love your sports, but no-one will love a sport more than the english love football;born and bred from our land.

Inside the head of the diehard sports fan, September 4, 2000
Nick Hornby is now desevedly well known for High Fidelity, but in my opinion this book is even better. The story centers around his obsession with the English Division 1 football team Arsenal, but you don't have to like or care about the sport to really enjoy this book. If you happen to be somewhat on the fanatical side of devotion to a particular team in any sport, you'll see a lot here that will ring very true. My own life-and-death sports devotion is tied to another sport (American college football) and another team (Ohio State), but I was nodding my head in recognition of my own feelings and behavior many times through this book. As in High Fidelity, Hornby really captures the essence of this experience and expresses it in a way that is precise, revealing and humorous. Hornby may be a novelist, but he's a very good psychologist too.

So if you are a fanatic devotee of a sports team (doesn't matter what team or what sport) or you'd like to understand someone who is - then read this book. Highly recommended!

Don't go in expecting a Hornbyesque book, June 27, 2002
Thanks to the once in every four year buzz I get when the World Cup is taking place I thought that it was an appropriate time to begin reading the only Hornby book that I hadn't yet cracked which incidentally is his autobiography and a loving testament to the game of football. With those factors in mind, I figured I couldn't go wrong with this one but sadly, for the first time, I was a bit let down by one of Hornby's books.

My main problem with this book stems from the fact that I missed out on approx. 30% of the context because I didn't know the people (players and coaches), places and teams that he spends a great deal of time espousing on. This book is written with the assumption that the reader is steeped in all the lore, historical trivia and nuance of British football and for those with limited knowledge, well I suppose they'll find themselves grasping at times trying to catch up with Hornby's detailed play-by-play enactments of memorable goals and on field blunders. Another thing - this is Hornby's first book and it shows. For those readers accustomed to his flowing, easy to digest prose in future works ('High Fidelity,' 'About a Boy,' 'How to be Good') you might be a bit surprised at how clunky his words form here. Yes, there are some very Hornbyesque passages and moments but for the most part it can be choppy reading at times but is interesting in the framework of mind knowing how his future works will evolve into crystalline works of literary brilliance.

On the positive note, this book will certainly strike a chord for every hardcore sports fanatic out there. Hornby lovingly touches on the idiosyncracies that every true 'fan' experiences from: Superstitious ritual, disdain for the casual and/or bandwagon fan, the psyche of those who faithfully follow bad teams, etc. Also, you'll find the occassional gem on the beauty of Football/Soccer as a pure sport that makes reading through this 247 page book ultimately worthwhile.

I love this book, March 31, 2000
When I received `Fever Pitch' a couple of years ago I thought, "How nice. A book about English soccer (of which I am a fan)." While this is partly true, there is so much more to this book than that. It is about dealing with relationships; family, friends and others. It is about the process of growing up, and all the problems it entails. It is about frustration and desire and dreams and secret fears. It is about obsession, in whatever form it takes, and how some people seem to be particularly prone to it. Which means that, ultimately, I feel that I can identify with the author in a way that I have not been able to with other books that I have read. I've now read it seven times in the last 2 years. Every time that I read I laugh, cringe, get angry and cry at the events that Hornby relates. One passage has helped me in particular, Hornby writes "Non-footballing friends and family have never met anyone madder than I; indeed, they are convinced that I am as obsessed as it is possible to be. But I know there are people who would regard the level of my commitment...as inadequate." If only I could get my wife, family and friends to read this book I am sure they would look upon me much more kindly. No matter what your obsession might be, I think that reading this book will help you to understand yourself just that little bit more.

So true to life, it's frightening!, August 30, 1999
Nick Hornby's "Fever Pitch" is one of the best sports books written in the modern day. His obsession with the Arsenal Football Club goes beyond being a fan and into being a glutton for punishment. Waiting for Arsenal to make good on a play, waiting for them to score, waiting for them to lose, being miserable in the weather, being physically injured but still standing on the North End of Highbury watching a nil-nil draw, but most of all being a devoted fan, rellishing in the good points about Arsenal (26th May, 1989!) and then returning to the drab, old way again and again, season after season.

He describes his love of the team in a way that anyone could apply it to their own favorite team, not just English football, but American football, baseball, hockey, etc. His descriptive humor is what makes you find yourself laughing out loud during the book. A must read for fans of sports everywhere!

GOOD DEPICTION OF SOCCER ADDICTION, NOT MUCH FOR THE NON FAN, July 19, 2003
This book offers a very good image of the extremes that fans go to for their addiction when it ocmes to soccer. As a soccer fan, I can see a glimpse of myself in the pages, though I am not as radical as the author ever was.

There is much insight into the feelings of soccer fans and their way of thinking. Particularly interesting and true is the feeling that only those that follow the team through the bad times should be allowed to cheer in the good times. Very true in myself included, I am afraid.

However, given the deep focus on soccer, there is not much there for the non soccer fan. Even being a soccer fan, one needs to be quite familiar with English teams and the championships they play in order to fully follow the author. The book have benefitted from an explanatory appendix, but then again, true fans wouldn't need and might find it offensive if there were one.

Best sports fan book ever, July 11, 2003
Sports fan? You'll like this book.
Soccer fan? You'll really live this book.
English soccer fan? You'll love this book.
Arsenal fan? This will be one of your favorite books ever.
I am all of the above. But I am also a fan of good writing. Nick Hornby has proven (with books such as "High Fidelity " and "About a Boy") that he's an excellent writer. In tackling (pun intended) the sport and team he is obsessed with, Hornby is being faithful to the notion that writer's should deal with topics familiar to them.
"Fever Pitch" is a love story. It is about one person's unconditional love for a sports team. There have been other such books before, but none better. Hornby explores the intersecting of love of team (and living and dying with their results) with the annoying business of the "rest of life." Any sport fan will be able not to just relate to the book, but seem themselves in it. Those familiar with English football (soccer to the heathen) will identify all the more.
Sports fans should read this book for a glimpse at how others see us. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The extraordinary tale of a refugee youth soccer team and the transformation of a small American town

Clarkston, Georgia, was a typical Southern town until it was designated a refugee settlement center in the 1990s, becoming the first American home for scores of families in flight from the world’s war zones—from Liberia and Sudan to Iraq and Afghanistan. Suddenly Clarkston’s streets were filled with women wearing the hijab, the smells of cumin and curry, and kids of all colors playing soccer in any open space they could find. The town also became home to Luma Mufleh, an American-educated Jordanian woman who founded a youth soccer team to unify Clarkston’s refugee children and keep them off the streets. These kids named themselves the Fugees.

Set against the backdrop of an American town that without its consent had become a vast social experiment, Outcasts United follows a pivotal season in the life of the Fugees and their charismatic coach. Warren St. John documents the lives of a diverse group of young people as they miraculously coalesce into a band of brothers, while also drawing a fascinating portrait of a fading American town struggling to accommodate its new arrivals. At the center of the story is fiery Coach Luma, who relentlessly drives her players to success on the soccer field while holding together their lives—and the lives of their families—in the face of a series of daunting challenges.

This fast-paced chronicle of a single season is a complex and inspiring tale of a small town becoming a global community—and an account of the ingenious and complicated ways we create a home in a changing world.


From the Hardcover edition. ... Read more

Reviews

Sometimes inspiring, sometimes sad, April 17, 2009

A well-deserved Valentine to a fantastic and inspiring coach, April 27, 2009
How does a soccer coach find a practice field for her team? Google Earth.

But why, in a town that's not short of parks, is she looking for a field on Google Earth?

Because the mayor keeps issuing what seem like illegal orders to deny her team access to any of the lush local fields.

And why would he do that?

Because this is Clarkston, Georgia, a town of 7,200 a dozen miles from Atlanta. And the members of the soccer team are not only boys of color, they are foreigners --- Africans, mostly --- who have come to Clarkston as part of a wave of immigrants.

'Outcasts United: A Refugee Team, an American Town'is set in the feel-bad reality of a small town that never wanted to be the dumping ground for people fleeing conflict zones. It's a story of bumbling villains --- the mayor is a decent soul who's way over his head; the bad cop is the sort of jerk you can find anywhere --- and unlikely heroes. The first heroes are, of course, the Fugees, who overcome terrible memories, language barriers and unthinking prejudice to become --- against great odds --- a team. But at the top of the list is the team's coach: Luma Mufleh, who is, in her own way, also a refugee.

The boys are really the lesser story, because without the commitment and self-sacrifice of this exceptional coach, their team would never have lasted a year. So weep for their pasts. Cheer for their success. Worry about their futures. But reserve the standing ovation for Luma Mufleh. Born into privilege in Jordan, she graduated from Smith College and decided to stay in the United States. Her father's response was to cut her off. "No more money, no more phone calls. He was finished with his daughter."

So the Smith graduate got work cleaning toilets and washing dishes. She moved to Georgia for the weather. One day she drove to Clarkston and saw refugee kids playing a style of soccer she knew and liked. She went to the YMCA, discovered a coaching job was available, and was hired to run a girls' team. Just one accident after another.....

Mufleh did not coddle her players. She expected discipline and compliance, and when she didn't get it, the kids paid they price. Her girls ran a lot --- but if they were late, they ran extra laps. And woe be to the player who complained to her parents.

The boys were even more challenging, if only because they represented more of a threat to the town. They weren't. They were just poor, often hungry, not really ready to assimilate. Mufleh worked 60 hours a week coaching them, helping their families, making sure they got their school work done. Exhausting? "You start off on your own," she says, "and you suddenly have a family of a hundred and twenty."

St. John draws the boys as well as he can, but their stories do merge. You think nothing that happens to them in Clarkston can be half as dramatic as the events that brought them to America --- imagine being a kid in Liberia and running out of your house as your father is being killed inside. Well, imagine, in America, seeing your coach arrested, handcuffed, and carted off to jail --- as you're going to a game! [Mufleh's crime? A burned-out tail light.]

The soccer style of the Fugees is exciting, and St. John's descriptions of their games are crisp and tense. But their victories on the field are small compared to what their coach accomplished in practice and in her pre-game talks. Luma Mufleh deserved the front page Times story. She earned --- many times over --- the money that flows to the team from the sale of the film rights. And she's more than worthy of this 300-page Valentine.

Outcasts United - a brilliant focus on how a team of outcasts became a family, February 15, 2009
Warren St. John tells the incredible stories of an entire program of immigrant soccer players in Clarkston, GA. The incredible part is how these players ("The Fugees") arrived in this Southern town. The players are all refugees from various countries. Each player's family has an amazing survival story from war-torn and politically oppressed areas of the planet. That the team consists of Liberians, Somalis, Sudanese, Kosovars, Iraqis, and other nationalities makes no difference to the players - they just want to play.

Also incredible is the dedication of the coach, Luma Mufleh, an American-educated woman from Jordan, who coaches the three soccer teams of Under 13's, Under 15's, and Under 17's. Her story is one of selflessness and dedication to the families of these former refugees. She takes them to the doctor. She buys them groceries. She picks them up to go to movies. But, she coaches soccer as if SOCCER is the true meaning of life: playing hard and with sportsmanship gives the players the skills they need to survive in their new world, she believes.

Nothing comes easy for the team or coach. They have no place to call a 'home' field. They practice on the dirt with no soccer goals. They have no uniforms and many have no soccer cleats. Families have no cars. Parents (and many times the single parent) work an hour away by bus at night leaving players to take care of dinner and younger siblings.

The people The Fugees meet along the way also shows the struggles and surprises that new immigrants encounter upon arriving in America. We can all learn from this book as America itself changes. You'll find yourself wanting this team to succeed and being very proud of its accomplishments in the face of so many adversities.

The way Warren St. John intermixes the personal stories with the team and coach stories makes it very clear why the movie rights for this story resulted in a bidding war among the studios.

Five stars - and more. Get it if you love sports or soccer. Insist that your friends get it if you love them, too!

Enjoyable, illuminating, but missing something, May 12, 2009
After reading "Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer," Warren St. John's previous book detailing the personalities who follow the Alabama football team in their RVs during football season, I was looking forward to "Outcasts United." I anticipated another examination of the intersection of personal stories, cultural attitudes, and sport.
In this, I was not disappointed. "Outcasts United" does an admirable job of getting at the larger story surrounding a young soccer coach and her team of refugee players in Clarkston, Georgia. The boys' backgrounds of ethnic struggle, the reactions of a town once lily-white now coping with floods of refugee resettlement, the dangers posed by American gangs and violence... all detailed with the research and perspective that one would expect from a New York Times reporter.
But overall, I was slightly let down. For all the amassing of dates and details, I was left wanting something. Wanting to know more about the boys (epilogue not withstanding), more about Luna... the book felt like a mass of reportage lacking, well, a point. Following through a season (roughly, with previous seasons for build-up), which worked so well in "Rammer Jammer," didn't yield the same story arc. Whether the epilogue should have been given the time and attention to become a few more actual chapters for closure, or whether the narrative should have focused even more closely on fewer boys, or whether there just is no real arc to be sketched, the story seemed oddly jumpy at times, and incomplete.
That aside, there are passages that capture the joy and intensity of youth soccer, the fear and strangeness of refugee life, the clash between cultures and how that clash is at once resolved and never to be resolved. "Outcasts" is ultimately worth the reading, and its themes are certainly worth discussing. And St. John's byline is always worth watching for on the daily pages.

Scoring a Goal for the Heart, Mind, and Soul, June 15, 2009

Lost Boys find game, June 7, 2009

It's more than just a story of a team battling diversity, May 25, 2009

Refugees and So Much More, April 26, 2009
Have you ever opened a book with dread? You know it's an important and timely read, but you're not sure what type of emotional turmoil it might put you through. This is how I approached my reading of Outcast United. You see, I have an intimate, almost territorial, connection to the community, the people, and even some of the kids on the soccer team that was written about. I didn't want to read about things I knew from the perspective of an "outsider" and feel angry because he didn't get it right. I had nothing to fear. Warren St. John is a true journalist, creative genius, but most significantly - a truth teller in every sense of the word. In his book, St. John somehow managed to get to the gritty, painful, remarkable, ugly, and beautiful realities of the lives of the refugee community of Clarkston. I was amazed at how accurately he told the many stories of the individual refugees (stories I remember) with a clean, straightforward, but sensitive honesty. His writing puts me in mind of Jon Krakauer or even fiction writer, Kent Haruf - a sincere, direct writing that sneaks up on you with a quiet beauty, so that you are suddenly shrouded in unexpected sadness, anger, joy, hope.

Aside from the great writing this is an important book for the historical and social content. Anyone who is connected with, not just refugee communities, but any marginalized people in our society should get this book and read it. I have worked with under resourced communities in South Carolina, children of migrant workers in south Texas, and refugee communities in Atlanta and know that they all struggle with the themes St. John explores in his writing. The struggles of single parents, gang violence, alienation, cultural limbo, poverty, unemployment or underemployment, language issues, prejudice - issues that touch us directly or indirectly unless you are that bubble boy John Travolta played in the eighties. I think anyone who is interested in understanding the cultural, social and economical struggles of our time - and seeing how these issues connect on a historical and international level, should put aside everything else they are doing right now and read this book.

A Beautiful Read & A Poignant Story, April 23, 2009
I have been graced with personal knowlege of Coach Luma and the Fugee family but no one can tell the story like Warren St. John. It is evident that this team has scored his heart, as it did mine. His writing is genuine, colorful, didactic and one of the quickest books I have ever read, since I found it near impossible to put down.

There are elements that make me want to require every coach, every parent, and every soccer player take the time to reflect on the message of the Fugees. Warren has captured their essence and even though I thought he could not enthrall me any more than in his NYTimes article I find there are new insights and stories that caused me to laugh and cry anew.

It is a true tale of the spirit and the fact that there is always hope, always repentance, and always the presence of a spirit that brings humanity together to tell a story that will lift your heart.

How do we welcome new immigrants to America?, October 31, 2009
Outcasts United: A Refugee Team, an American Town

by Warren St. John (2009)

Warren St. John is a reporter for the New York Times who wrote for this newspaper a series of articles about the sometime mysterious ways that America welcomes immigrants into our country. He used these articles to write this book about hope and the unifying force of sports.

What a surprise to learn that our government settles families fleeing war zones from many foreign countries to small and unprepared towns in America. Housing people is such close quarters beside other families that just a short time ago; they were engaged in mortal combat.

I can not help but think...could I have survived moving during the middle of the night to a new country without my spouse where the language was strange, jobs were menial, and I was not welcome?

Again, the sport of soccer gives a young Jordanian woman a purpose when she decides, after receiving her American education, to work with these refugees and assist them in finding a home in this new country.

Her struggle, together with the Clarkston, Georgia refugees show us that people are slow to accept new people into a community. What hoops this woman was made to jump through to give these immigrants a place to learn and play? She is a hero in my book.

Because my book was an Advance Reading Copy, you were required to visit the website [...] to read the epilogue.

I highly recommend this book; it is a reminder that we as a nation can do better in our treatment of newcomers to our country. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Brilliant Orange is a book about Dutch soccer that's not really about Dutch soccer. It's more about an enigmatic way of thinking peculiar to a people whose landscape is unrelentingly flat, mostly below sea level, and who owe their salvation to a boy who plugged a fractured dike with his little finger. If any one thing, Brilliant Orange is about Dutch space, and a people whose unique conception of it has led to some of the most enduring art, the weirdest architecture, and a bizarrely cerebral form of soccer--Total Football--that led in 1974 to a World Cup finals match with arch-rival Germany. With its intricacy and oddity, it continues to mystify and delight observers around the world. As David Winner wryly observes, it is an expression of the Dutch psyche that has a shared ancestry with the Mondrian's Broadway Boogie Woogie, Rembrandt's The Night Watch, maybe even with Gouda cheese.

Finally here in paperback, Brilliant Orange reaches out to the reader from an unexpected place and never lets go.

Reviews

The Thinking Mans Football Book, May 30, 2002
Brilliant Orange is more than just a history of Dutch football. It cleverly links the Dutch idea of football to art, architecture, culture, politics and philosophy. The book uses interviews with top Dutch footballers such as Ruud Krol, Johnny Rep and Dennis Bergkamp to provide a fascinating insight into a unique culture in which football plays an integral part. The chapters describing 'Total Football' during the 1970's are particularly interesting however the book can become a little tedious when it wanders from the topic of football.
I enjoyed this book a lot because it is original, unconventional and informative. It is easy to read and provides a useful introduction for anybody wanting to learn about this most intriguing of footballing nations. The book will interest people who are interested in the ideas behind football rather than a simple narrative history of football in Holland.

Glanzend, vermaak, beklemmt, October 29, 2002
Unapologetically obsessive examination of both the Dutch national team, and the club team Ajax Amsterdam, from the origins of totaalvoetbal in the late '60s until Euro 2000. The author is David Winner, a Brit who lives in Amsterdam part-time. Winner attempts to uncover what he sees as a Dutch nation plagued by self-perpetuating pathologies related to WW2 and the Germans, democracy and its problems with committee decisions, space and the Dutch genius for creating it, and an unwillingness toward self-examination.

In a nutshell, the author suggests that Dutch society is reflected in its soccer. There are some ridiculously extraneous ideas here, such as (what I consider) filler material regarding the color orange, the seeming Dutch inability to win penalty kick shootouts, and the Jewish war experience in the Netherlands. However, the book really shines in Winner's many interviews with ex-players and managers. There are lots of great (and some contradictory) anecdotes about Cruyff, Van Basten, Rep, Rensenbrink, Keizer, Van der Gaal, and to a lesser extent Krol, Gullitt, Kluivert, and Bergkamp.

I would recommend this book only to those who are obsessed (at least mildly) with both soccer and Holland. Both worthy topics. The joy of the book is in its anecdotal fun, however; don't expect thesis material here.

Good book but I expected more, April 1, 2004
I would rate this book somewhere between 3 and 4 stars - it's almost one of those oddball classics. Judging by the title, I expected more insight into the strategy of Total Football or the Dutch soccer-playing style in general, an analytical explanation of why it works. Time and space are mentioned in general; perhaps it was foolish of me but I really did hope for a detailed spatial analysis.

Part of the problem is that David Winner at times does too much telling rather than showing. One of the earlier reviewers remarked that access to video footage would be helpful. I agree, especially when Winner just keeps telling the reader how brilliant and beautiful the Dutch playing style is without much description beyond those mere adjectives. On the other hand, there are sections where the description is quite vivid, like that of the Cruyff turn. But it still falls a bit short. This book would work much much better as a documentary. Or at least there could have been greater and better use of pictures and illustrations.

Another problem on the strategy front is when Winner tries to stretch certain ideas to the absolute limit. At one point he concludes that a player's ability to curl the ball on a free kick made the defensive wall useless in such a situation. Winner fails to notice that if the wall wasn't there, someone else would blast the ball straigth through to goal. When you're forced to pick your poison with let's say Real Madrid, surely you'd rather let Beckham curl it rather than give Roberto Carlos a direct shot. A few of Winner's exasperating conclusions almost made me give up on the book.

Luckily, for the most part, I continued reading. Despite my disappointments, the book does provide fascinating observations on Dutch history, culture, people, architecture, etc. and how they all relate to soccer. One of my favorite chapters was the one about Ajax and its Jewish links; I wish I knew about this when I was traveling in Amsterdam. Sometimes, though, the material gets a bit too academic, more in terms of writing style than analytical rigor - I could really do without the commentary from Uri Geller, puh-leez.

Overall, if you're a serious fan of soccer, this book's worth a read, in part because (aside from instructional material) there's very little of quality out there on this sport. I guess I've been spoiled by all the good baseball literature.

One of the best football books ever., June 16, 2010
First a list of all the things this book is not about

This won't give you all the records and statistics of Dutch football.

Doesn't have a chronological history of the game in the country. Doesn't talk in detail about all their great players, great matches or great clubs. To sum it up, this book isn't the best preparatory material for a quiz on Dutch football. You might even end up in last place.

In that sense, it is quite unlike most of the books written about a country or a club's football history and culture. In fact, the writer often goes on for pages without even talking about football, forget Dutch football. And yet, it is in my humble opinion ( as well as that of most people who write reviews on Amazon.com and [...]) quite easily the best book on Dutch football.

Because David Winner's book deals with something much more profound and goes much deeper in its investigation.

It talks about the mental makeup of the Dutch nation - why they are what they are?

It does a very good job of explaining a lot of other Dutch peculiarities - and I use that word because the Dutch are the antithesis of a conformist regular normal world. And in doing so it answers the questions about Dutch football. Why and how the Dutch came up with Total Football? Why the Dutch lose all the important matches? Why the players always get into fights? Why it is wrong to call the Netherlands the Brazil of Europe? The Dutch concept of nationalism and patriotism? And the Dutch definition of a good footballer?

If Dutch football was a living person then this book makes it very clear that the head is the most important organ; more valuable than the feet. And then it does what Freud would have tried to do - study the person's head.

And that ways, the book is very aptly named. And David Winner has written a book unlike any other.

Two of the fascinating concepts that this book deals with are individualism and space - and explains that both are as much a part of the national fabric as of their approach to football. Individualism is not the freedom to do whatever he feels like but to retain a strong sense of the self while still keeping the collective in mind. And space is to create space where there is none - something the country below sea level does on an ongoing basis.

A special mention must be made of a very fine introduction by Franklin Foer who makes a very interesting analogy that the richness of football is like a cultural Galapagos.

This book is like a fine meal. You need to eat slowly and savour every morsel. It might bore the casual fan as he looks to read about the feats of the all conquering Ajax side of the early seventies. The least he is expecting is a chapter on the three consecutive European triumphs. But all he gets is bits and pieces, here and there.

But if he can soldier on, he will have the pleasure of reading one of finest books written on football. He will see the Dutch in a new light and might just become an Oranje supporter for life (The Dutch have been one of my favourite teams but after this book, I got an Orange jersey to wear during the World Cup)

You will not win the quiz but you will surely win the paper writing competition on Dutch football.

Rating - Five out of Five all the way.

Possibly the best book ever written on football., July 9, 2004
For its entertainment value, its creativity, its humor, and its depth of insight, this is perhaps the best book ever written on soccer. One should be familiar in general with Dutch football tactics and history to get the most out of it, but even if you aren't, it's still highly engaging.

Stands Out as a Real Gem, July 11, 2010
I had a few friends recommend this book years back and found it to not only meet their rave reviews, but even exceeded them. The book does a great job weaving depth in understanding Dutch football (soccer) and a broad and deep understanding of many facets of Dutch culture. Many authors try to weave one or two patterns they perceive in to a deeper understanding, but this book pulls many together and can even be read from a design or architecture perspective that is an introduction to Dutch football, or from a social science perspective.

It is now about time for a reread of this book, which is the sign of a favorite book for me.

"Brilliant" is an apt word for it, March 29, 2009
More than just a book about Dutch football, Brilliant Orange discusses all aspects of Dutch life, culture, and history and how it all relates to the football they play. From the war and the continuing rivalry with the Germans, to the Dutch reclamation of land from the sea and how it inspired the development of Total Football, this is a great read and a fascinating insight into the psyche of a truly unique nation. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

Deserves a dual location on philosophy and sports shelves, July 9, 2010
Soccer and Philosophy provides an unusual pairing: soccer notes by philosophers - and offers insights on ethics, metaphysics, and issues of beauty and form in the soccer environment. By blending philosophical principles and inquiry with soccer specifics, this will reach an audience not ordinarily attracted to philosophy books, and deserves a dual location on philosophy and sports shelves alike.

What a great collection!, May 29, 2010
What a great book! A collection of different philosophical treatments of the beautiful game from the sublime to the humorous. And just in time for the World Cup too!

Wonderful, Whimsical and Cogent, July 7, 2010
First, ignore the comments on the back cover. They are banal clich�s (See Chapter 3: The Boy Done Good? Football's Clich�s). I doubt the comments were written by people who actually finished the book.

Second, although this is a book about soccer, the analysis and conclusions may be applied to all sports. (See Chapter 8: What's Luck Got to do with it?).

Third, think about how sports overlap with life and demand the attendance of prominent politicians - to toss the first ball, etc. (See Chapter 24: When a Soccer Club Becomes a Mirror).

Fourth, think about how the officials on the field, in the ring or on the court influence the outcome of the game. (See Chapter 28: The Loneliness of the Referee).

Fifth, Consider whether prayer before, during or after the game influences its outcome. (Chapter 29: God is not a Referee)

This enumeration of thoughts about soccer could to go on without end, just like a 0 to 0 soccer game, requiring a shoot out (see Chapter 27: It's a Lottery!: Penalties and the Meaning of Winning). Oh, did I tell you about the wonderful creative writing in Chapter 26: Kierkegaard at the Penalty Spot?

This is a wonderful, whimsical and cogent book for soccer fans and soccer players, particularly those who enjoyed their philosophy courses in college. The book has multiple authors with uneven writing, but the good writers more than make up for the others.

Soccer in Football Country (Florida), June 9, 2010
A great book with a different bent. An easy read even if you don't know a lot about either soccer or philosopy. I recommend it highly. ... Read more

Editorial Review

With an Orwellian social imagination, Granta editor Buford offers a terrifying record of his passage through an alternate society--that of England's soccer thugs--in this malevolently funny, supremely chilling document of the allure of crowd violence. Author reading tour. ... Read more

Reviews

Rude, Brittania, April 4, 2000
Bill Buford, a naive American adrift in England, tackles a very dicey subject: Mob violence by English football fans. He starts out innocently enough, trying to find the allure, cause, nature, basis, and form of England's notorious football hooligans, but soon has difficulty separating himself from his subject matter.

As he relates his journey into the world of the yobs, we get a vivid picture of the people and the events, but no real glimpse into what is behind the football mob violence -- even after Buford spends most of the second half of the book trying to work it out. The only real insight were provided is that the mob becomes greater than the sum of its parts, and that there is a line where a person within the mob ceases to be an individual, and becomes a compnent of a greater organism.

However, questions such as why sporting crowds in the US, Canada, or other countries never reach the level of violence or mob mentality as seen in England are never addressed, nor are questions of why this sort of violent behavior seems to be limited to a very large degree to football (soccer) crowds. Of course, that subject is beyond the scope of any one book.

Still, the snapshot into the seedy world of NF members, jingoistic supporters, drunks and felons provided by Buford is entertaining, in a voyeuristic sort of way. Besides, unless you are intimately familiar with crowds at English, or any European, football matches, Buford's book is best if taken as a sort of superficial sociological travelogue, offering a glimpse into a strange land, complete with foreign customs, traditions, uniforms and etiquette.

Reading 'Thugs' won't provide too much enlightentment on sports violence or the psychology of mobs, but it will entertain. And with the coming Euro2000 tournament, reading this may prove timely, as well.

A Worthy Read!, April 13, 2005
When my friend recommended this book, I was skeptical. I didn't believe an American journalist could successfully infiltrate a gang of European football hooligans. I was introduced to the notoriety of hooligans when I attended a match in Turkey. There I witnessed 200 soldiers armed with assault rifles and riot gear, lined up behind the goalie. This severity made me believe what I'd heard about fans ending up trampled, stabbed, beaten, and killed in the aftermath of a match.

Starting with a few lukewarm leads, Bill Buford, a true journalist, is relentless. He transports the reader to England, Germany, and Italy as he tries to understand what fuels hooligans. You experience the helplessness of being caught in a body-crushing crowd, being ambushed by the brutal mobs after the match, and riding the fan-crammed trains. His characterizations are so vivid, you can almost smell the charged atmosphere in the streets and in the stadiums.

This book is about violence. The descriptions are fierce and don't let up. The history behind the European football fury is discussed. Even if you aren't a fan of football (better known to Americans as soccer), this book is an excellent read on the sociology of mob mentality. You become aware of what propels crowd violence and its devastating effects on the victim, whose only blunder might be unfortunate proximity and timing.

ultra violence at its best, April 21, 2005
The old saying of "don't judge a book by its cover" does not apply here. I saw this book, its cover and title, read the back and bought it. It did not dissapoint.

If anybody is looking for insight into soccer hooliganism, then this is the book for you. Buford, an American ex-pat, infiltrates the Manchester United hooligans. At first he attempts to share their perspective in his book, but as the story unravels, he becomes one of the hooligans. This gives readers a first hand account of their lives.

The scenes are ultra violent. This book is truly a modern day Clockwork Orange and the Man U fans are so crazy and violent that they make the Raider Nation look like a Girl Scout Troop.

GREAT BOOK!!

Great Narrative, gets lost when author becomes too analytical, August 8, 2005
I really enjoyed this book and tore through it in three days. It really does capture how the working class of Britain has degenerated even as its standard of living has reached levels of comfort that would seem unimaginable a few decades back. There is something about the game of football that tends to drive working class males crazy in almost every country, from Argentina to China. The author does however lose steam in the middle of the book when he attempts to psychoanlayzie crowd behavior. Overall very good read

Awesome, February 13, 2003
This is the definitive book on hooligans. The writing is intelligent, and Bill Buford often breaks down the society he's studying with an amusing and deprecating wit. On the back of the book it says that _Among the Thugs_ is never condescending, which is the diametric opposite of the truth. The thing that makes this book amusing is its ability to portray the sheer insanity of hooliganism as the circus freak show that it is. Other writers treat this subject with a been-there-done-that sort of nonchalance. Bill Buford, on the other hand, sees the phenomenon through the lens of a mild mannered American who is justifiably shocked and horrified by what he is witnessing. For the American reader, this is the ideal standpoint because it is important to emphasize just how utterly ridiculous, alien, and unfathomable hooligan behaviour is to a civiized American. I highly recommend this book as a fast, entertaining, action- packed, and often hilarious read.

True to Life, April 5, 2001
I, like Mr. Buford, lived as a priveleged American in London during the heydey of bootboys and hooligans in the early and mid 70's. I was a teenager and a wannabe-hooligan, too young (early teens) to be a real hooligan. I travelled extensively on the "football specials" to away games, among them a 1973 FA Cup semifinal at Hillsborough (scene of the 1996 disaster that ended standing on the terraces forever), and the danger of violence was expected and palpable. I recall a lovely spring day in Southampton where hooligans in motorcycle helmets roamed the streets smashing milk bottles on heads in a completely random fashion. Unlike some readers, I found his descriptions dead-on accurate. The discussion of crowd theory and when things change right before they "go off" was fascinating, as well as absolutely true. The part of the book I found odd was the change of opinion from wanting to study his topic to throwing up his hands and deciding there was nothing to study. What's the conclusion, or are there none? I am happy to report that those days are, for the most part, over. Having recently returned from England, the ticket pricing, and all-seater stadiums, have eliminated the hooligan mobs at football matches. the reason the hooligans rampage in continental Europe is because that's all that is left (there are still terraces in much of Europe). Domestically, many of the football venues described by Mr. Buford have been torn down or rebuilt as all-seater stadia.

Good Social Commentary, February 12, 2004
I thought this book would simply be a blow-by-blow recitation of the crimes and violence perpetrated by Britain's soccer "hooligans." I was very pleasantly surprised that it turned out to be much, much more. Mr. Buford gives a very nice discussion of the crowd mentality and explains from a first-hand perspective how quickly a large event can turn violent. He also does a nice job of explaining how the social environment in Britain led to the conditions that allowed large number of disaffected young men with few other outlets for their frustrations than Saturday games and riots.

An outsider's view - that works!, January 22, 2000
Picked up the book - an American author? forget it! But I decide to carry on, being "actively" involved as an English supporter in the eighties I was interested. I agree with another reviewer, people will bs, he does appear naive in some areas but that works for the book. When he describes how badly behaved our fans were, it's embarassing, but at the time it meant nothing to us. One very important point (US readers take note) the deaths and diasters that took place were not really hooligan related but bad policing and organization. Buford account of Sardinia is so powerful. I must have read it 20 times. I was there and he really describes the frustration of being treated like animals and then the violence. Us in shorts the police with batons ect. Bottom line, only a few people were real wankers, most wanted a laugh but it got too serious. The author met a few head bangers and top fans- good book. You can't make an omlette without breaking a few eggs!

Oh, come on!, September 5, 2000
Among the Thugs is highly entertaining: it's Michael Herr meets Bill Bryson--a hybrid that has produced a documentary of the British hooligan phenomenon that is at once gripping, frightening, appalling, sickening, very funny, and, maybe, BS!

What really bothers me about this book is the recurrent disconnect between over-the-top acts of violence and the consequences thereof. Buford's graphic description of homicidal aggression is never seen with a meaningful (i.e. consistent with human nature) aftermath. For example, supporters (the rabid hooligan-fans) visiting Turin, Italy, trash the city, leaving anyone in their wake beaten to a pulp, perhaps murdered; and then the next day, for all intents and purposes, the Italian perspective is portrayed as a sort of grumbling resentment as opposed to, say, murderous rage. In the most unbelievable episode, a supporter blunders into a party (comprised of police officers, no less), and assaults one of the guests in such a manner as to surpass your most deranged, paranoid and sadistic fantasies. In the next scene, the supporter rejoins his wife at home, albeit with a great quantity of blood on his shirt (la-di-freakin'-da). I mean, how did he get out of there and then elude capture (believe me, this guy would be hunted down as if he were public enemy number one)?

But in spite of some wide credibility gaps, Buford chillingly describes mob and crowd dynamics, the creepy fascistic underpinnings of this scene, and the working class vacuum that is filled by this malignant sense of purpose. I'm just not sure if I can believe it all.

Dick Singer, Dallas

Definitely one to read., July 31, 1999
I couldn't stop reading this. We went to a friends house and I sat and read this book in the corner (easily one of the most impolite things I have ever done, but there was no way in hell I was stopping reading). I lived in London in the late eighties, working between Highbury & Islington tube station and Arsenal's ground and can remember the shops and pubs closing early on Wednesdays if there was a game. I can also remember the warnings not to work late, etc. I never understood why until I read this book. These people were (are?) the cruelest, nastiest people alive, and Bill Buford deserves endless credit for the quality of this book.

One last thought, we often hear that it was the average person that served as the guards in concentration camps, etc., well after reading this book I think it is the thugs who are described here, not the average Joe - so I feel better about the rest of humanity. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Editorial Review

Soccer is much more than just the most popular game in the world. It is a matter of life and death for millions around the world, an international lingua franca.

Simon Kuper traveled to twenty-two countries to discover the sometimes bizarre effect soccer can have on politics and culture. At the same time he tried to discover what makes different countries play a simple game so differently.

Kuper meets a remarkable variety of fans along the way, from the East Berliner persecuted by the Stasi for supporting his local team, to the Argentine general with his own views on tactics. He also illuminates the frightening intersection between soccer and politics, particularly in the wake of the attacks of 9-11, where soccer is obsessed over by the likes of Osama bin Laden. The result is an astonishing study of soccer and its place in the world. ... Read more

Reviews

Splendid book, but with a major editing error, June 24, 2006
The work Kuper put into this book is terrific (one can see where Foer got his inspiration, as "How Soccer Explains the World" reads like an attempt to write a new version of this book). However, it seems that the folks at Nation Books (or whomever was in charge of updating this book) has made a blunder with Kuper's words. Since they decided to change the name of the book from "Football Against the Enemy" (the original title, if I recall) to "Soccer Against the Enemy", they also decided to change references inside the book from "football" to "soccer". While this change is no problem in itself, it appears that the editors may have ran Kuper's text through a "find/replace" program, because now EVERY time the word "football" should be mentioned, it has been changed to "soccer", even if it messes up the grammar or meaning of the sentence. For example, when Kuper referres to the position of "an American Football Quarterback" the text reads "an American Soccer Quarterback", which makes no real sense. Or the "corrected" sentence that reads, in part, "they saw or even bought a World Cup bumper sticker that depicted a soccer covered by barbed wire" (page 215), where it should read as either "a football" or even "a soccer ball." This happens in many parts of the book, and detracts from the fantastic work Kuper has done.

The politics of sport, May 18, 2006
Finally available in the U.S., this is essentially the same book as Football Against the Enemy, which was originally published in England in 1994, with an additional chapter touching on the connection between soccer, terrorism, and the Middle East. According to FourFourTwo magazine, this is the number one football/soccer book ever. The author travels to Croatia, Russia, the Ukraine, Argentina, South Africa, and many other venues famous and obscure, talks to the people that matter, and focuses on telling stories about the beautiful game and the people who play it, own it, use it, and live it, while including great insights on the cultural and political issues that surround this truly international sport. Much better than "How Soccer Explains the World," the people, places, and stories in this book remain as vivid and relevant as ever. As you read how an East Berlin fan of "Western" teams was stalked for years by the East German secret police, you realize that international soccer is much more than a sport. Not just for soccer fans, this is also highly recommended to anyone interested in politics or travel.

Good, but...., November 13, 2007
I read this a few years after reading "How soccer explains the world", so my comparison is based on a shaky memory, with lots of other soccer reading in between....

In some ways, SATE a more interesting read - you can really feel that the author knows soccer much more intimately than Foer (HSETW author) does. And the writing is a little less 'clinical' than the other book, and the extra chapter is nice. But while this book is a series of anecdotes that are entertaining, I thought Foer does a better job making the point implicit in the title.

And the clumsy translation is ridiculous - it's as if the publishers just performed a "search and replace" for "football" and "soccer" - to the point where it's at times confusing: sections about "American soccer" where clearly he meant American Football (=gridiron). I know it's not Shakespeare, but I'd rather read the "real thing".

Pretty good soccer book, not a classic, June 8, 2010
This was a good book, but not the classic that it has been billed as. Some of it is kind of all-over-the-place in a way that turns me off. I'm not sure the narrative really means anything, rather than just a disjointed grouping of stories. It really plays to me like a short story book where you can skip the sections you don't find as enjoyable.

That being said, the stories are very entertaining. Some more than others.

I wonder what Simon Kuper would say looking back on it (20 years later) now that he is a respected soccer journalist. I would not be surprised if he agrees with part of my sentiment as I do think it feels a little bit like a younger writer finding his voice.

That is all I have to say, if you are interested in Soccer (Football), definitely pick it up. I would recommend How Soccer Explains the World much more though.

Soccer as Psychotherapist, May 11, 2010
For a book originally published in 1994, Soccer Against the Enemy remains surprisingly relevant. It is a very similar book to How Soccer Explains the World: An Unlikely Theory of Globalization, both in structure and topic, although Soccer Against the Enemy is the better of the two. Broken into chapters that focus on countries, or regions of countries, Soccer Against the Enemy tries to explain the cultural and social meaning of the beautiful game all around the world.

Take the chapter on soccer in the U.S., "Short, Dark, Americans." Kuper begins the chapter by writing about attending an international game in L.A. during the 1994 World Cup--Denmark v El Salvador. The L.A. coliseum was packed, but the next day, even the L.A. Times sports section didn't mention the game. This dichotomy, so typical of America's relationship with soccer, becomes Kuper's theme for "Short, Dark, Americans." This chapter, like the others, is built partially from Kuper's direct experiences as he visits each location, partially from commentary on the region's soccer histoy, and partially from anecdotes about the lives of the fans who live in the region.

The piecemeal nature of the chapters is the book's biggest weakness. There is no single narrative to follow through each chapter, much less through the entire book, leaving the reader (or at least me) a little unsure of which direction Kuper was heading at any one time. Also, the book's intended readers are soccer fans. Those without a lot of soccer trivia, stadium names, and player biographies floating through their heads may feel a bit lost. I picked up the book in the U.S., but I suspect the initial printing was in England for English football fans.

[...] book review - An excellent glimpse into the world of soccer, November 8, 2006
Soccer Against the Enemy is a book which chronicles the impact that society has upon soccer, and soccer upon society in various countries throughout the world. The author, Simon Kuper, is a Dutch born writer who has been around the world of soccer for most of his life and has written for numerous publications in Europe. The problem for Kuper is that he wrote this book towards the beginning of his career, and there are a few sections of this book where this becomes obvious. The fact that Kuper was a 23 year old traveling the world on an extremely limited budget gives him some excuse for this, and makes it a distraction that isn't too noticeable.

Along with these rough parts, the full title; Soccer Against the Enemy: How the World's Most Popular Sport Starts and Fuels Revolutions and Keeps Dictators in Power, is somewhat misleading. The majority of this book is not focused on this specific statement. Rather, the author spends time examining why soccer culture is the way it is in different countries. He spends time within some chapters addressing dictators and revolutions, notably the section on African soccer, and spends time on it in the Argentina chapter, but for many others, he seemingly ignores politics, or at least politics as we think of them in the traditional sense.

With that said, Kuper does very well in his examination of why soccer is played the way it is. His look into African soccer really gives an insight into what life is like there. He shows the absolute dictatorial rule that many people suffer under, and how soccer can become the one true expression of how people feel. This startling insight can catch the reader off guard.

Kuper looks at all sorts of aspects in the world of soccer. His journey spans five continents and over twenty countries. He talks to politicians, generals, coaches, and players to get a full view of everyones perspective on the game. This perspective is added to by the breadth of teams which he involves himself with. From Barcelona, to Dynamo Kiev, to the United States National Team, Kuper goes everywhere and talks to so many players that the reader really gets a full view of what soccer is throughout the world. The only thing that eclipses Kuper's breadth of teams, is the variety of countries he visits, including but not limited to, Russia, Croatia, South Africa, Cameroon, and Argentina. Kuper's goal is to give perspective from throughout the world, and he succeeds in this.
Kuper's segment on the Celtic v. Rangers rivalry is among the best in the book. It really shows the intensity and history behind the rivalry. This section alone defines the passion that soccer fans around the world have. However, the best section of the book was the add on chapter for the American version. This chapter, entitled Global Game, Global Jihad, details the impact that the game of soccer has on developing Middle Eastern countries in conjunction with radical Islam. It isn't a controversial chapter, just a statement of facts that helps details how soccer has turned so political in that part of the world.

When reading this book it is sometimes slightly confusing as to where exactly the author is trying to go. There are times where the big picture gets lost in the details, but once finished with the chapter everything tends to fall into place. I would suggest this book for a soccer fan of every level. It really gives a good look into why things are the way that they are in certain countries. The look at mafia ties in Eastern Europe, religious convictions, geographical and ethnic divisions, and the plight of third world countries to be noticed reveal stories that are usually kept under wraps in the soccer world. Kuper does a great job explaining these stories, and provides great information that can only come from first hand accounts like his. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Editorial Review

Once considered to be a solely European sport, soccer has now surpassed baseball in popularity among American schoolchildren. Geared toward kids aged seven to twelve, this easy-to-understand book includes such topics as the history of the game, the basics of how to play, suggestions on how to become a better player, and fun soccer trivia. ... Read more

Reviews

Very helpful and easy to understand., October 18, 1998
I am the first time coach of a second grade boys soccer team. This book was very easy to understand for the kids as well as myself. For kids that are relatively new to the game it explains positions, the different kinds of kicks and the all around basics of soccer without getting too technical. It has been a great aid for our team.

An excellent guide for beginning players and new coaches, August 11, 1998
This book provides a brief introduction to soccer, at the right level of detail for those new to the game. My 11-year-old son found the summary of the rules and strategies quite helpful. As a new coach, I was glad to have a compact volume that included most of what I needed to know. There are other books that provide more detail on the game and more exercises and drills for soccer players -- but this is the ideal "first book" for someone just learning about the game. I recommend it highly.

The Perfect Introduction, March 24, 2002
Whether a child, parent, or first time coach with no prior knowledge, this book is the perfect introduction to children's soccer. Add your league specifics and develop technically as you go. A first, must read.

I am feeling more confident while training my son, October 6, 2004
I read this book and now I feel all the more confident while training my son and his friends. I can explain them about the basics and the game and how to plan their game. Tecnicalities of the game are exaplined well in this book. Go ahead and buy this book to learn the basics of this game.

Great writer, great book, great guy, July 2, 1998
Brooks Clark is a superb journalist and former Sports Illustrated staffer who has been blessed with two kids--both girls. His book is not only a great coaching primer for many of us who have come to the sport in our later years, but even better, it's serves as a roadmap for how parents can instill a love of participatory sports in their youngsters, boys or girls! Kudos to Mr. Clark. How about a follow up book on the basics of basketball?

Brooks Clark "Kicks" Tail, November 1, 2005
As a long time recreation coach and soccer parent, Brooks Clark offer the side of the game perfect for all coaches just starting out, or for any parents who know little about the game their children are playing. Concise and fun, a great read for the basic rules and strategies of soccer. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Shut down the opponent and stop every shot. Only The Complete Soccer Goalkeeper will show you how to combine awareness, technique, and physical conditioning to anticipate the opponent’s every move.

In The Complete Soccer Goalkeeper, renowned goalkeeping coach Tim Mulqueen shares his secrets and provides unparalleled instruction for developing the skills, techniques, and mental mind-set for mastering the game’s toughest position:

• Stance, positioning, and footwork

• Leaping, diving, and saving shots at various heights

• Orchestrating the defense and distributing the ball

• Reading the game, including shooters, angles, and set plays

• Penalty kicks and situation-specific tactics

• Specific conditioning exercises to develop explosive power, sharpen eye–hand coordination, and improve reaction time

The Complete Soccer Goalkeeper also includes advice from leading goalkeepers, analysis of many of the game’s stellar saves, and exclusive insights from today’s top attackers on the defensive weaknesses they try to exploit.

From tactics to strategies, The Complete Soccer Goalkeeper is simply the most complete guide available for players and coaches of the game’s most challenging position.

Reviews

Great resource for goalkeepers and coaches, November 19, 2010
This book is very informative for coaches and goalkeepers alike. It covers all levels of goalkeeping instruction with many useful diagrams. Mulqueen's book is an easy read, and the drills and exercises he has included are excellent. It is a great resource that you can keep going back to.

The Complete Soccer Goalkeeper, November 14, 2010
I purchased this book for my 14 year old son who is a goalkeeper. I gave it to his coach & it has been a great source of knowledge for their team. It really has helped my son improve his skills.

Helpful and practical guide to goalkeeping, November 14, 2010
This book is filled with excellent exercises and drills. I found it easy and entertaining to read. It is well organized I have used some of the exercises in this book coaching my 12 year old's team gk. My oldest (18 years) has found the drills and fitness info very useful.

Great Reference for all Goalies, December 8, 2010
This is a phenomenal introduction and tactic book recommended for all goalkeepers. It is easy to follow, detailing several important fundamentals of goal keeping. There are several dozen practices that help you develop the skills and think in the mindset of today's best players. In depth and detailed, it covers practice drills, exercises, and comprehensive techniques to bring your keepers skills to the next level. From the mindset to be a successful keeper, to the relationship of coach and keeper, this book lays out the groundwork to become successful at a very difficult position. It explains the methods to guard the net and has input from one of the world most elite goalies, Tim Howard. Highly recommend this book for all players and coaches involved in bringing talent and skill to the next league!!!

Goalkeeper Training Top Notch, December 13, 2010
I got this book so I could see how Tim Mulqueen trains his keepers and to see how the US National Team works. I was lucky enough to watch Tim conduct practices while he was with the Kansas City Wizards. The book is very informative and gets into a depth of understanding how and why of goalkeeping. I think it is a good training tool for those coaches who are more advanced in goalkeeper training than beginners. Technique and Tactics are a strength from Tim. I have coached goalkeepers for over 20 years and I run the National Goalkeeper Academy so when I say this book is a great addition to my videos and books on goalkeeping it is coming from experience. This book reminded me of some of the things we forget to do with our keepers. Great job Tim. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Legendary soccer coach Anson Dorrance has coached 17 of the last 21 NCAA women's championship soccer teams.Enough said."The Vision of a Champion" is just that, as Dorrance distills his vision in this mandatory guide for young athletes and coaches who want to inspire and train them. ... Read more

Reviews

One of the best soccer books ever., February 28, 2003
Recently, I was sidelined in hospital, and my team bought me the book. I read it cover to cover twice, taking notes the second time.

Anson Dorrance has proven to be the guru for Womens soccer coaching in the United States. Some of the people he has shaped is a "Who's who" of soccer: Tony DiCiccio, Lauren Gregg, Kristine Lilly, Lorrie Fair, Cindy Parlow.... and some girl named Mia.

The book is written for players, but it is a MUST for any coach of girls, soccer or otherwise. In addition to talking about strengths and weaknesses in the current Womens game, he talks about the psychology of the team and player. He gives a no - holds barred insight into Tar Heel soccer, down to preseason drills, peaking cycles, intensity training and offseason training. It is all written in plain english that anyone can understand.

The entire UNC program is in here for all to examine. His thoughts on everything from his approach to injuries and resting players to recruiting players and demands for (scarce) scholarship money. He gives a good insight on the subject of soccer and scholarships that I wasn't aware of.

I highly recommend this book. It would be a bargain at twice the price. If you plan on playing Division I soccer, this book gives a good expectation of what the #1 program in the country looks for.

A good read!, June 25, 2003
Don't know anything about Anson Dorrance personally, but I love his books. There is so much great information. He really conveys his philosophy of how to become a great soccer player, and how a player should conduct themselves in high school and college. I enjoyed this book from a coach/parent standpoint, but I really think high-school age players could benefit from this as well.

Amazing!, November 11, 2005
This book is amazing. It is absolutly irresistable. A must read for all. Perfect insight.

The Soccer Bible for Females and Those Who Love Them, October 11, 2002
After reading this book, it's no wonder that many of the women trained by Anson Dorrance are wonderful role models as well as amazing soccer artists. The game of soccer is not just about good technique, but also how the female soccer player develops into a responsible person, challenging herself physically, mentally, socially and emotionally. Dorrance and Averbuch have combined here to write the definitive work on growing a soccer player. This book is for the players, their parents and their coaches. If there is anyone who believes that coaching girls is no different than boys-this will prove otherwise. Bravo to the authors!

The Vision of a Champion, April 2, 2009
This is a wonderful book about soccer and training, and the mental toughness girls possess that will help them all through life. This book will also help any parent who struggles with the proper involvement level with a soccer-daughter, and the reinforcement needed to help make the correct choices as she evolves with the game of soccer.

This book also gives extraordinary attention to the evolution of leadership roles for females, and the developement of these leadership skills in all young women.

There were hundreds of times i wanted to read passsages or paragraphs to each of my soccer-daughters after i was brought to near tears by the passages of empowerment and success for female athletes.

A must buy!, September 29, 2002
I am a professional youth soccer coach, with my own company. I also played semi-professional soccer in my native England. I read this book--twice--and was so impressed, I bought 50 copies for my players. I have loved the flair of this game all of my life. My emphasis as a coach is bringing that love of the game, with all of its skill, to American youth soccer. This book communicates the essence of the game, and more, it's a great guide for soccer and life!

Buy this book!, September 29, 2002
I am a professional youth soccer coach, with my own company. I also played semi-professional soccer in my native England. I read this book--twice--and was so impressed, I bought 50 copies for my players. I have loved the flair of this game all of my life. My emphasis as a coach is bringing that love of the game, with all of its skill, to American youth soccer. This book communicates the essence of the game, and more, it's a great guide for soccer and life!

Inspiring Story, September 23, 2002
This is a story about someone who is passionate about building a team and building character. It is inspiring to read about Anson Dorrance's own search for excellence in his field and in the lives of the young women who play for him. Bravo to all those involved in producing this excellent book!

This book from a coach's perspective, August 3, 2002
Between Training Soccer Champions and the Vision of a Champion Coach Dorrance has done much to help me articulate the intuitions I had when I began coaching three years ago about the value of soccer in bringing people together and teaching them to live more authentically and passionately--unworried about mistakes. Certainly my players are better off thanks to this book's advice. Although it's written with players and players' parents in mind, as well, I highly recommend it to anyone who coaches and, in particular, those who coach girls.

An ABSOLUTE must-read!, October 1, 2002
I can't say enough good things about this book. It is beautifully written and a complete inspiration. I feel fortunate to have the guidance presented in this book. It is fantastic. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

Fantastic gift for any United fan, June 2, 2009
The quality of writing / photography is outstanding. The book itself is superbly executed. Fantastic gift for any United fan!

C'mon, United! ... Read more