Synopses & Reviews
Soccer is the definitive guide to the world's most popular sport. From the sublime skills of Pele to the lifestyle of a professional soccer player, this gloriously illustrated book explores every aspect of the game. State-of-the-art digital illustrations and stunning photographs bring to life all the key rules, tactics, set plays, and skills. As well as offering practical advice, this informative book also provides an insider's view of the history of the game, profiles of the great clubs, and facts about women's soccer teams and players. The great players, from Pele and Eusebio to Zidane, Maradona, and Mia Hamm, make an appearance, and a section on the great games relives the excitement of the most memorable encounters. A reference section includes a glossary, key statistics, and a guide to the best soccer websites. Comprehensive and visually thrilling, Soccer captures all the drama and the passion of a game that unites billions of people across the globe. Special Features: The definitive guide to all areas of the game, including rules, skills, tactics, great games, and famous players. Unique, state-of-the-art digital diagrams and illustrations. Stunning photographs throughout. A world soccer book for the 2010 World Cup and beyond. Cross-references, glossary, and web resources.
Review
San Francisco Book ReviewThis mini coffee table book is a must for any world soccer fan, young or old. . . . This book helps capture that excitement, celebration, and even despair of this great game. I could tell Gifford is a real fan, he really loves soccer, and his love of the game came out in the book. Geared toward the American soccer fan (everywhere else the game is called “football”), this book would make an ideal holiday gift. Shelf AwarnessThere's plenty here to orient beginners (e.g., onfield formation diagrams) and enough in-depth coverage to more than satisfy longtime aficionados. "Fact File" and "Game Action" insets, profiles of key players, a generous helping of photos, stat boxes and diagrams make this the definitive book for soccer fans. Bound (MSN Superfan)[This] book is absolutely a love letter to soccer. Infodad.comFor fans, would-be fans, committed fans, fans who probably ought to get a life but probably wont, fans who live for the thrill of the World Cup, fans who care only to support their local teams - for all these and more, Giffords book is both a fine introduction and an excellent reference.
About the Author
Clive Gifford is an award-winning author of more than fifty books on the
subjects of sports and soccer. His previous titles for Kingfisher include The Kingfisher Soccer Encyclopedia, Soccer Skills, Summer Olympics, and Soccer.