Description
Book SynopsisWATERSTONES BEST BOOKS OF 2022 SPORT
''A brilliant new perspective on World Cup management... Superbly insightful .'' Jamie Carragher
''Superb - great stories about the greatest tournament'' Daniel Taylor
Master tacticians, crazy tyrants and lucky generals... This insightful investigation reveals the mindsets and, frankly, at times unbelievable approaches of the coaches who strive to deliver football''s ultimate prize.
HOW DO YOU WIN THE WORLD CUP?
Godlike genius or the focus of a disappointed nation''s fury the world''s most prestigious tournament makes or breaks a national coach. Only 20 managers have guided their team to World Cup glory, so what are their secrets? From revolutionary tactics to hare-brained schemes, this book searches for the keys to the most exclusive club in international football.
They may silently plot on the bench or manically gesticulate from the sidelines, but what can the coach reall
Trade Review
Superbly insightful … A brilliant new perspective on World Cup management -- Jamie Carragher
Superb – great stories about the greatest tournament -- Daniel Taylor
A fascinating read -- Barry Davies
If you like a rich and rewarding football read, look no further -- Patrick Barclay
Detailed, humorous, extensively researched and very difficult to put down -- Terry Butcher
A wonderful look into the beautiful game and the quest to unlock the secret to winning its ultimate prize -- Alexi Lalas
An incisive analysis of “the beautiful game” at its highest levels… a must-read for soccer fans * Publishers Weekly *
Evans takes 19 aspects of both management and the World cup itself (penalty shoot-outs, qualifying, tactics, star players) unearths a succession of stories... and sprinkles them with interviewees. -- John Aizlewood * The i *
Insight into how simply punching above one's weight in the qualifying stages is a world cup victory in itself. * When Saturday Comes *
Superbly insightful... a brilliant new perspective * talkSport *
Evans has spoken to an impressive and eclectic cast of characters with vast experience in the international game. The quality and calibre of those who offer their perspectives in the book really make it stand out … It serves as both a study in how to manage an international time and also a reflection on why international football is so special. * All Sport Book Reviews *
...fascinating * BBC Radio 5 Live *
Table of Contents
Foreword Prologue Chapter One: A Different World (International Management) Chapter Two: Starting from the Bottom (Minnows) Chapter Three: Facing an Apocalypse (Qualification Chapter Four: In the Line of Duty (Danger) Chapter Five: Hosting the Party (Hosts) Chapter Six: A Race Against Time (Late Appointments) Chapter Seven: The History Boys (First Times) Chapter Eight: Select Your Weapons (Team Selection) Chapter Nine: Picking a General (Captains) Chapter Ten: A Home From Home (Atmosphere) Chapter Eleven: A Shot in the Balls (Big Incidents) Chapter Twelve: Don't Mention the War (Rivalries) Chapter Thirteen: Miracle Workers (Underdogs) Chapter Fourteen: Now or Never (Golden Generation) Chapter Fifteen: Managing the Impossible (Enigmas) Chapter Sixteen: Finding an Edge (Big Games) Chapter Seventeen: Managers on the Spot (Penalties) Chapter Eighteen: Becoming Champion (Final) Chapter Nineteen: The Winner's Curse (Retaining) Epilogue
