For the past 10 years, leading Canadian journalist and cultural critic
John Doyle has been traveling the globe to observe World Cup and other
soccer matches played at the highest level. The result is a Bill
Bryson-esque narrative full of wit and insight, concluding with the 2010
World Cup in South Africa.
In between his encounters with the delirious fans, the crazed taxi
drivers, the leprechauns and the lederhosen, Doyle examines the
evolution of soccer as a global phenomenon. More importantly, he
explores in highly entertaining fashion how national character is
revealed in both how the teams play the games and how their fans choose
to celebrate.
This is a book that will excite and entertain both soccer enthusiasts
and the legions of listeners who simply love great storytelling.