The World Cup

Every four years in June, the planet grinds to a halt to witness the pursuit of one of sport’s greatest prizes: the FIFA World Cup. With a history populated by legends, scandal and diplomatic incidents, the World Cup has seen more than its fair share of triumph, heartbreak and intrigue not to mention dictators, temper tantrums and the tears of fully-grown men…

Join author Paul Hansford on a journey into the (sometimes dark) heart of The World Cup, where the biggest names in football Pelé, Maradona, Moore, Beckenbauer, Cruyff, Ronaldo forged their legends, and where the weird and wonderful side of the sport from shoeless strikers and stolen trophies to psychic Dutchmen and doggy disruptions captures the world’s imagination.

Complete with a profile of every World Cup from 1930 to 2010, as well as a look at the tournament’s cult heroes, footballing superpowers, shocking moments and best conspiracy theories, this is your essential companion to the greatest and maddest month in world football.