Overview

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.

Full Product Details

9780753473085

Table of Contents

Reviews

A solid purchase where an all-encompassing encyclopedia is needed. 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 won't, fans who live for the thrill of the World Cup, fans who care only to support their local teams - for all these and more, Gifford's book is both a fine introduction and an excellent reference. This 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. There'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. [This] book is absolutely a love letter to soccer. For fans, would-be fans, committed fans, fans who probably ought to get a life but probably won't, fans who live for the thrill of the World Cup, fans who care only to support their local teams - for all these and more, Gifford's book is both a fine introduction and an excellent reference. Children's Literature This comprehensive compilation of facts written by a soccer expert emphasizes modern professional soccer players but also explores historical precedents and amateur and youth competitors. School Library Journal A solid purchase where an all-encompassing encyclopedia is needed. Children's Literature This comprehensive compilation of facts written by a soccer expert emphasizes modern professional soccer players but also explores historical precedents and amateur and youth competitors. School Library Journal A solid purchase where an all-encompassing encyclopedia is needed. Elizabeth D. Schafer - Children's Literature This comprehensive compilation of facts written by a soccer expert emphasizes modern professional soccer players but also explores historical precedents and amateur and youth competitors. Color-coded sections profile playing positions and skills; rules and penalties; strategies; teams; competitions, including the Olympics; and remarkable coaches and male and female players. Other sections discuss referees, stadiums, and fans, revealing the economic and cultural impact of soccer worldwide and mentioning corruption, scandals, and tragedies associated with that sport. Describing triumphs and disappointments soccer personalities have experienced, brief passages tell how several famous players were discovered, citing the millions of dollars they earn annually and why teams recruited them. Abundant color images, black-and-white photographs, and a World Cup poster complement the text. Several two-page spreads highlight significant moments and people in soccer history. Diagrams show how notable goals were scored in landmark games. Sidebars recommend relevant websites and note facts elaborating soccer topics. Charts list players and teams statistics and results for major competitions, from their beginnings to the present. Information concerning World Cup and other important tournaments scheduled after publication is included. U.S. soccer information is confined to a brief reference section lacking photographs. A glossary defines some, but not all, of the terms used in the text. Supplement with Hugh Hornby's Eyewitness Soccer (2005), which provides historical information and images of artifacts and memorabilia not available in this encyclopedia.2006, Kingfisher/Houghton Mifflin, Ages 9 up. School Library Journal Gr 6-10-Beginning with the history of the sport, Gifford covers the basic rules as well as skills such as defending the ball, goalkeeping, and attacking. He includes brief bios of the legends of the sport, both men and women, organized by their positions. Fascinating tales of great teams and memorable competitions in events such as the World Cup and the 2004 Olympics will entertain fans of the sport. The font tends to be small, creating a dense look to the pages, but the large as well as thumbnail color photos appear often and break up the text. This book could be used as a reference guide for reports or to answer specific questions. A solid purchase where an all-encompassing encyclopedia is needed.-Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

A solid purchase where an all-encompassing encyclopedia is needed. 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 won't, fans who live for the thrill of the World Cup, fans who care only to support their local teams - for all these and more, Gifford's book is both a fine introduction and an excellent reference. [This] book is absolutely a love letter to soccer. This 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. There'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. For fans, would-be fans, committed fans, fans who probably ought to get a life but probably won't, fans who live for the thrill of the World Cup, fans who care only to support their local teams - for all these and more, Gifford's book is both a fine introduction and an excellent reference. Children's Literature This comprehensive compilation of facts written by a soccer expert emphasizes modern professional soccer players but also explores historical precedents and amateur and youth competitors. School Library Journal A solid purchase where an all-encompassing encyclopedia is needed. Children's Literature This comprehensive compilation of facts written by a soccer expert emphasizes modern professional soccer players but also explores historical precedents and amateur and youth competitors. School Library Journal A solid purchase where an all-encompassing encyclopedia is needed. Elizabeth D. Schafer - Children's Literature This comprehensive compilation of facts written by a soccer expert emphasizes modern professional soccer players but also explores historical precedents and amateur and youth competitors. Color-coded sections profile playing positions and skills; rules and penalties; strategies; teams; competitions, including the Olympics; and remarkable coaches and male and female players. Other sections discuss referees, stadiums, and fans, revealing the economic and cultural impact of soccer worldwide and mentioning corruption, scandals, and tragedies associated with that sport. Describing triumphs and disappointments soccer personalities have experienced, brief passages tell how several famous players were discovered, citing the millions of dollars they earn annually and why teams recruited them. Abundant color images, black-and-white photographs, and a World Cup poster complement the text. Several two-page spreads highlight significant moments and people in soccer history. Diagrams show how notable goals were scored in landmark games. Sidebars recommend relevant websites and note facts elaborating soccer topics. Charts list players and teams statistics and results for major competitions, from their beginnings to the present. Information concerning World Cup and other important tournaments scheduled after publication is included. U.S. soccer information is confined to a brief reference section lacking photographs. A glossary defines some, but not all, of the terms used in the text. Supplement with Hugh Hornby's Eyewitness Soccer (2005), which provides historical information and images of artifacts and memorabilia not available in this encyclopedia.2006, Kingfisher/Houghton Mifflin, Ages 9 up. School Library Journal Gr 6-10-Beginning with the history of the sport, Gifford covers the basic rules as well as skills such as defending the ball, goalkeeping, and attacking. He includes brief bios of the legends of the sport, both men and women, organized by their positions. Fascinating tales of great teams and memorable competitions in events such as the World Cup and the 2004 Olympics will entertain fans of the sport. The font tends to be small, creating a dense look to the pages, but the large as well as thumbnail color photos appear often and break up the text. This book could be used as a reference guide for reports or to answer specific questions. A solid purchase where an all-encompassing encyclopedia is needed.-Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

A solid purchase where an all-encompassing encyclopedia is needed. 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 won't, fans who live for the thrill of the World Cup, fans who care only to support their local teams - for all these and more, Gifford's book is both a fine introduction and an excellent reference. This 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. There'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. [This] book is absolutely a love letter to soccer. For fans, would-be fans, committed fans, fans who probably ought to get a life but probably won't, fans who live for the thrill of the World Cup, fans who care only to support their local teams - for all these and more, Gifford's book is both a fine introduction and an excellent reference. Children's Literature This comprehensive compilation of facts written by a soccer expert emphasizes modern professional soccer players but also explores historical precedents and amateur and youth competitors. School Library Journal A solid purchase where an all-encompassing encyclopedia is needed. Children's Literature This comprehensive compilation of facts written by a soccer expert emphasizes modern professional soccer players but also explores historical precedents and amateur and youth competitors. School Library Journal A solid purchase where an all-encompassing encyclopedia is needed. Elizabeth D. Schafer - Children's Literature This comprehensive compilation of facts written by a soccer expert emphasizes modern professional soccer players but also explores historical precedents and amateur and youth competitors. Color-coded sections profile playing positions and skills; rules and penalties; strategies; teams; competitions, including the Olympics; and remarkable coaches and male and female players. Other sections discuss referees, stadiums, and fans, revealing the economic and cultural impact of soccer worldwide and mentioning corruption, scandals, and tragedies associated with that sport. Describing triumphs and disappointments soccer personalities have experienced, brief passages tell how several famous players were discovered, citing the millions of dollars they earn annually and why teams recruited them. Abundant color images, black-and-white photographs, and a World Cup poster complement the text. Several two-page spreads highlight significant moments and people in soccer history. Diagrams show how notable goals were scored in landmark games. Sidebars recommend relevant websites and note facts elaborating soccer topics. Charts list players and teams statistics and results for major competitions, from their beginnings to the present. Information concerning World Cup and other important tournaments scheduled after publication is included. U.S. soccer information is confined to a brief reference section lacking photographs. A glossary defines some, but not all, of the terms used in the text. Supplement with Hugh Hornby's Eyewitness Soccer (2005), which provides historical information and images of artifacts and memorabilia not available in this encyclopedia.2006, Kingfisher/Houghton Mifflin, Ages 9 up. School Library Journal Gr 6-10-Beginning with the history of the sport, Gifford covers the basic rules as well as skills such as defending the ball, goalkeeping, and attacking. He includes brief bios of the legends of the sport, both men and women, organized by their positions. Fascinating tales of great teams and memorable competitions in events such as the World Cup and the 2004 Olympics will entertain fans of the sport. The font tends to be small, creating a dense look to the pages, but the large as well as thumbnail color photos appear often and break up the text. This book could be used as a reference guide for reports or to answer specific questions. A solid purchase where an all-encompassing encyclopedia is needed.-Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

For fans, would-be fans, committed fans, fans who probably ought to get a life but probably won't, fans who live for the thrill of the World Cup, fans who care only to support their local teams - for all these and more, Gifford's book is both a fine introduction and an excellent reference.

Author Information

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.

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