Description
Book SynopsisCovering all the basics of the game, rules and tactics, as well as giving history of the sport and how it has evolved to the present day, this guide provides tips on football betting and supporting, essential coverage on the World Cup, and stats on current teams, players and managers both at home and abroad.
Trade Review'...Murray has compiled a guide to the game so simple and effective that any dummy can understand it.' (Four Four Two, May 2010). '...offers those who are yet to climb on board the bandwagon a leg up.' (ESPN.com).
Table of ContentsIntroduction 1
Part I: Kicking Off 7
Chapter 1: Welcome to Planet Football 9
Chapter 2: The Ball Starts Rolling: A Potted History of Football 19
Chapter 3: Getting Your Boots On: The Gear You Need 31
Part II: Playing the Game 45
Chapter 4: Laying Down the Laws 47
Chapter 5: Players, Positions and Tactics 67
Chapter 6: Honing Your Skills 91
Chapter 7: Keeping Fit for Football 115
Chapter 8: Coaching, Managing and Leadership 129
Chapter 9: Getting the Game On 141
Part III: Exploring the World of Football 153
Chapter 10: The World Cup 155
Chapter 11: Surveying the International Scene 169
Chapter 12: The Club Scene 187
Chapter 13: Focusing on Famous Clubs 213
Chapter 14: Women’s Football 239
Part IV: The Fans’ Enclosure: Following the Game 255
Chapter 15: Going to the Match 257
Chapter 16: Compulsive Viewing: Football on Screen 271
Chapter 17: Read All About It! 287
Chapter 18: Other Football-based Pastimes 305
Part V: The Part of Tens 319
Chapter 19: Ten Great Players 321
Chapter 20: The Ten Greatest Teams of All Time 331
Chapter 21: Ten Great Matches 339
Part VI: Appendixes 347
Appendix A: Roll of Honour 349
Appendix B: Glossary 361
Index 369
