30th July 1966. For millions it was the greatest day of the greatest decade. They may never have seen the Beatles in the Cavern or danced at Woodstock, but they got to see the finest moment in English sporting history. Everything came together that sunny afternoon. The country was the centre of the world in fashion, film and music - so why shouldn't the World Cup be England's as well? This is the story of that extraordinary 24 hours, told through the eyes of the players, the fans on the terraces, and those watching and listening at home and abroad. Take the young policeman with the tricky task of swapping the real Jules Rimet trophy for a replica; the former German POW on holiday in Wales keeping his nationality secret as he watches the match in a stranger's house; and the Kent firecrew dousing a chimney fire as they watch the final on television. Full of fascinating details, this book evokes a period when football fans wore suits to matches, traffic policemen were invited into homes to watch the game, and the England squad could walk to the cinema undisturbed the evening before the biggest game of their lives.

Dive into the thrilling history of soccer's most famous tournament in this comprehensive guide to the World Cup! Soccer. No other sport in the world captivates a bigger audience--and no other competition electrifies its fans like the World Cup. Jam-packed with information about each and every World Cup ever played, this revised and updated edition of a Matt Christopher classic captures all the amazing highlights of soccer's most famous tournament. Want to know who was behind the biggest surprise defeat of the 1950 World Cup? It's in here. Want to know which country has won the Women's World Cup more than any other? Just turn the page. Want to know more about the biggest triumphs and harshest defeats, all while feeling like you're on the field with the sports legends? Wondering what the term Total Football means? You'll find the answers here--along with much, much more.

Fifteen Minutes of Fame is a satirical commentary on contemporary culture. The book celebrates the cult of celebrity, the wonders of everyday experience, and lots in between. Andrew Godsell, with pen in hand and tongue in cheek, explores diverse subjects, as fact mingles with fiction. The enduring influence of such literary figures as Lewis Carroll, George Orwell, Samuel Pepys, J K Rowling, and Evelyn Waugh is considered. Political themes range from Thatcherism to the Con-Dem coalition, either side of New Labour. The importance of history stretches from Stonehenge, and the legends of King Arthur, to the growth of Internet genealogy. The excitement of sport is reflected in football, and the communal spirit of Sport Relief. Music by John Lennon, Madonna, Patti Smith, and Bruce Springsteen sits alongside a folk festival. The established arts of theatre and cinema combine with the emergence of Reality TV.

Every four years, the FIFA World Cup captures the global imagination like no other sporting spectacle. With a cumulative television audience of several billion people tuning in to the 2014 World Cup, and an estimated 700 million watching the finals—including more than 25 million in the United States alone—the World Cup is the world’s most-watched sporting event. The Encyclopedia of the FIFA World Cup provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date information available on the history of this incomparable event. An introductory narrative explains the origins and historical progression of the World Cup, while a chronology traces the development of the World Cup since it was first held in 1930. Hundreds of entries cover the players and coaches who have participated in the World Cup and made the most memorable contributions to the event’s history. Additional entries include officials, stadiums, overviews of each major country’s performances, and more. A separate section provides detailed entries for each World Cup finals tournament. Appendixes contain details on every participant in World Cup history, as well as top performers, officials, and World Cup records. Including an indispensable bibliography on the key World Cup texts, Encyclopedia of the FIFA World Cup is an essential reference for soccer fans, players, and researchers alike.

A lot can happen in 90 minutes. From football's codification in 1863 to the modern era - goals, red cards and even substitutions have led to some of the strongest and most remarkable sporting legacies. The game has grown into the world's largest and most supported sport, with all aspects of modern life being drawn into its continually expanding empire. This book journeys through football's incredible history to examine some of the game's most fascinating minutes of play which, to this day, provoke lasting memories. These key moments show how there is often far more to a minute of football than just 60 seconds. The impact can last for years, decades or centuries. By looking at the history of goals, finals and even corners we get a clear picture of how football became the game we know and love today. From the first goal in an FA Cup Final to Diego Maradona's 'hand of God', The History of Football in Ninety Minutes (Plus Extra Time) gives fuel to the notion that every minute in football counts.