[quentinc]

The Thinking Fan's Guide to the World Cup

Generally speaking, it's 32 essays, of varying length, on all the countries in the World Cup. Some of them are quite didactic and boring (Poland standing out in this regard), but others, especially on the poorer African and South American nations, are quite good (Ecuador and Cote D'Ivoire were my two favorites). Ostensibly, all the pieces should deal with football, but it varies to different extents. But if a game gets boring (re: You're watching England ), you can take time out to read it, as it's very good. I found multiple copies at my local Barnes & Noble, which, besides Fever Pitch, has nothing beyond 5,000 books on coaching youth soccer.

There's excerpts from a few of the pieces in the latest National Geographic, including the introduction.

[Twenty26Six]

A good few of the many, many, many I have...

Faith of Our Fathers, by Alan Edge.

National Geographic, "Why the World Loves Soccer", June 2006.

Dutch National Coaching Handbook [may not be exact title].

Soccer Coaching Made Easy, by Tom Goodman, M. Ed.

[stanaccrington]

Futebol (Soccer the Brazilian way) by Alex Bellos.

The book of course has the pre-requisite chapters on the two Brazilian greats Pele and Garrincha, in addition to an investigation into Ronaldo and his fateful day during the 1998 World Cup Final in Paris. But the best chapters of the books are the ones that dig deeper into the sociological role that football plays in Brazilian life, from the rich and powerful, right down to the hardcore fans who live in the country's dangerous favelas (slums). Bellos obviously spent an enormous amount of time and money traveling this great country to get all kinds of different perspectives, and the novel is that much better for it. I suppose if I had something negative to say about this book it's that certain chapters (such as Frogs and Miracles) drag on a little too much for my liking. However, do not let this put you off for Futebol is truly worth reading.

[quentinc]

Has anyone read (or heard of) a book called Winning Orange? I sort of want to acquaint myself with the whole Dutch System and the idea of Total Football. I guess the one reccomended by 26 would be worth reading, no?

Has anyone read How Soccer Explains the World, by Franklin Foer?

[wemess0]

Originally Posted by distrunner450

Has anyone read How Soccer Explains the World, by Franklin Foer?

I read it and enjoyed it. I would elaborate a bit more, but I read it in February '05 and don't remember too much about it. I do recall the chapters on Barca and Red Star Belgrade being particularly interesting.

[usscouse]

I've had this copy of "My Soccer Story" By Billy Liddell, follow me through 4 countries and four states.

I had a book called (I think) Real Madrid. It was a gift in the 60's but someone borrowed it....buggers!

They'd won the European Cup four times by then. With the likes of Puskas, DiStefano, Jento and the rest of the greats.

[Twenty26Six]

Originally Posted by distrunner450

Has anyone read (or heard of) a book called Winning Orange? I sort of want to acquaint myself with the whole Dutch System and the idea of Total Football. I guess the one reccomended by 26 would be worth reading, no?

The Dutch Coaching Handbook is a good book for coaches. Outlines more coaching philosophy than tactics. Although it does have tactical insight.

You might want to look up a book by Rinus Michels. I _believe_ it was called "Team Building". Rinus was the old Ajax coach when they won the European Cup 3 years running and he also coached the Dutch National Teams at different points, IIRC.

Also, search out BS member Bertje on the forums here. He has a lot to say on the subject, I'm sure he could give you a few suggestions.

[edlova]

I recently read A Season With Verona and The Miracle of Castel Di Sangro, both well done, each one following a team for one season...also gives you some more background into how bad Italians are with the corruption of their leagues

[sarabella]

Originally Posted by distrunner450

Has anyone read (or heard of) a book called Winning Orange? I sort of want to acquaint myself with the whole Dutch System and the idea of Total Football. I guess the one reccomended by 26 would be worth reading, no?

It's called Brilliant Orange and it's a fantastic book.

[quentinc]

Originally Posted by sarabella

It's called Brilliant Orange and it's a fantastic book.

Yeah, I realized that a while after I posted, and never corrected myself. I ordered it on Amazon a while ago, but it still hasn't come, so I don't know what the deal is.