Travels with Nelson

Father and son make a dream come true by going to World Cup 2014 together, seeing games from day one all the way the Final. Experience the highs and lows with them. As Mum's country reaches the final; as Dad's country goes out disastrously; as Nelson's Team USA goes up against the best, drawing legions of fans to Brazil, and persuading Barack Obama back home to lead the nation in watching the other kind of football. All of it written by Dad, a lifelong journalist, and son, a High School freshman. Along the way they have their match tickets stolen when they are just a few hundred yards away from the stadium; they drive through a flood with fans of the opposing team at the wheel; they meet the Brazilians who think the World Cup is a waste of money; they play Soccer in the famous Maracana, walk out on the hallowed pitch with the next Messi; they see reigning champions Spain crash out; England melt away; Costa Rica stun the world; Algeria raise the flag of Africa and the Arab world; Germany play with beautiful, brutal efficiency; Holland with left-footed genius. And then they ride the night bus across the country for the climax. They watch up close and personal as Brazil implodes, reducing the nation to tears and anger. They follow Argentina to victory by breath-taking penalties. And they take their seats for the final reckoning between old world and new, Europe and the Americas, Germany and Argentina. Join them as they laugh and cry, celebrate and mourn. This is a book not just for all football fans -- but for every parent and child who dream of an adventure together.