Description
Book SynopsisSoccer is the most mathematical of sports--riddled with numbers, patterns, and shapes. How to make sense of them? The answer lies in mathematical modeling, a science with applications in a host of biological systems. Soccermatics brings the two together in a fascinating, mind-bending synthesis.
What''s the connection between an ant colony and Total Football, Dutch-style? How is the Barcelona midfield linked geometrically? And how can we relate the mechanics of a Mexican Wave to the singing of cicadas in an Australian valley? Welcome to the world of mathematical modeling, expressed brilliantly by David Sumpter through the prism of soccer. Soccer is indeed more than a game and this book is packed with game theory. After reading it, you will forever watch the game with new eyes.
Trade ReviewSumpter's deconstruction of formations proved why maths and football can't live without each other. It's every football nerd's dream. * FourFourTwo *
A fascinating and entertaining dive into the mathematics of the beautiful game. * The Guardian *
...Highly readable... * The Irish Times *
...You will love this book. * The Tribune *
This is football looked at in a very different way. David Sumpter is mining a rich and deep seam here in
Soccermatics, one that will become an increasingly important part of the game. -- Pat Nevin, former Chelsea and Everton star and football media analyst
A fascinating study of the structures and patterns that underpin football matches, with revealing and surprising conclusions. -- Michael Cox, editor of Zonal Marking and Guardian Sports
Soccermatics provides fresh insight into a game we've been watching all of our lives. But it's more than a book about football and is all the better for it. -- Adam Bate, football features writer for Sky Sports
David Sumpter brings together his two passions, mathematics and football, in a highly original and entertaining way. The beautiful game illustrated through the beauty of mathematics. -- Philip Maini FRS, Professor of Mathematical Biology, University of Oxford
Table of ContentsPreface: The Kick-off Part I: On the Pitch Chapter 1: I Never Predict Anything and I Never Will Chapter 2: How Slime Moulds Built Barcelona Chapter 3: Check My Flow Chapter 4: Statistical Brilliance Chapter 5: Zlatan Ibrah Rocket Science
Part II: In the Dugout Chapter 6: Three Points for the Bird-brained Manager Chapter 7: The Tactical Map CHapter 8: Total Cyber Dynamo Chapter 9: The World in Motion
Part III: From the Crowd Chapter 10: You'll Never Walk Alone Chapter 11: Bet Against the Masses Chapter 12: Putting My Money Where My Mouth Is Chapter 13: The Results Are In The Full-Time Whistle Notes Acknowledgements Index
