Description

Book Synopsis

The Summer of Total Football: The 1974 World Cup captures the mood of a memorable 24 days in the early 1970s as the balance of footballing power shifted.

Throughout history, the World Cup has often discovered people's champions' that do not become tournament winners, such as the Netherlands in 1974. Beaten by the host nation, West Germany, the Dutch captivated the crowds at WM74, spearheaded by their captain, Johan Cruyff. This was supposed to be Cruyff's World Cup and right up until the final, he demonstrated why. But West Germany, who were galvanised by their own talisman, Franz Beckenbauer, had other ideas. Initially burdened by being the home team, they improved as the tournament progressed and refused to be overawed by the Dutch. The indomitable spirit of West Germany, which characterised their style in the decades after 1974, came to the fore as they won their second World Cup.

This was the World Cup of Total Football', a style of play that was pr

The Summer of Total Football

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    A Hardback by Neil Jensen

    £17.09

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    RRP £18.99 – you save £1.90 (10%)

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      Book details

      Publisher Pitch Publishing
      Imprint Pitch Publishing Ltd
      Published 1 March 2024
      ISBN-13 9781801507219
      978-1801507219
      ISBN-10 180150721X
      Also in:
      Sport Association football (Soccer)

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      The Summer of Total Football: The 1974 World Cup captures the mood of a memorable 24 days in the early 1970s as the balance of footballing power shifted.

      Throughout history, the World Cup has often discovered people's champions' that do not become tournament winners, such as the Netherlands in 1974. Beaten by the host nation, West Germany, the Dutch captivated the crowds at WM74, spearheaded by their captain, Johan Cruyff. This was supposed to be Cruyff's World Cup and right up until the final, he demonstrated why. But West Germany, who were galvanised by their own talisman, Franz Beckenbauer, had other ideas. Initially burdened by being the home team, they improved as the tournament progressed and refused to be overawed by the Dutch. The indomitable spirit of West Germany, which characterised their style in the decades after 1974, came to the fore as they won their second World Cup.

      This was the World Cup of Total Football', a style of play that was pr

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