Description
Book Synopsis''At last, the definitive guide to football phraseology across the world... Sparky and very funny'' Paul Hayward
''Amusing and informative in equal measure'' Oliver Kay, The Athletic
A wonderful, endlessly delightful book' When Saturday Comes
A new edition of an expertly compiled and utterly fascinating compendium of the weird and wonderful words and phrases used to describe football around the world.
In this revised glossary of football words and phrases, discover the rich, quirky and joyously creative global language used by fans, commentators and players.
From placing a shot ''where the owl sleeps'' in Brazil, to what it means to use your ''chocolate leg'' in the Netherlands, via ''Anglican'' a phrase adopted by Czechs to describe a disputed goal and the now ubiquitous ''it''s coming home'', this comprehensively researched book entertains and informs in equal measure.
Discover why a ''
Trade Review
Funny, erudite, rich in detail and endlessly readable. Perfect for anyone who thinks they already know about the language of football. -- Barney Ronay * The Guardian *
Sparky and very funny... At last, the definitive guide to football phraseology across the world. The richness of the game's language shines through in this addictive glossary. -- Paul Hayward * Five-time Sports Journalists’ Association Writer of the Year *
Amusing and informative in equal measure. Who knew Dundee United commanded such disdain in Nigeria? -- Oliver Kay, The Athletic
Quirky, addictive, stuffed with anecdote, it’s far more than a glossary… The writing is precise, light and often lovely. A treat. -- Jonathan Northcroft * Sunday Times *
A fascinating and necessary work. -- Jonathan Wilson, founder of The Blizzard
Ein super Buch! -- Raphael Honigstein, The Athletic
A wonderful, endlessly delightful book * When Saturday Comes *
There are plenty of books about the language of football already, but surely not one like this: funny, informative and truly global. * 11Freunde *
By reading this book, you will discover the complexity, the colour and the power of football’s global language. * Clarence Seedorf *
A reminder that there are few better means of celebrating both our differences and similarities than the game of football. * The Guardian *
Table of Contents
Foreword by Clarence Seedorf Introduction South America Putting it on a Plate - Where Football Meets Food North and Central America Near Unstoppable - Top Corner Terminology Europe Between the Legs - Nutmeg Names Africa Dodgy Keepers - A Glossary of Gaffes Asia Natural Talent - Expressions Inspired by the Animal Kingdom Australasia Acknowledgements Index
