Five books in tribute to World Cup fever, 2018
Ever since I got married many years ago, I have taken a new interest in soccer. With my son, an incredible football lover, it has become more so. Ordinarily, I would rather watch something else on Television but now when Nigeria is playing, I get involved and when it is world cup, I find myself watching along with the men and recently the women in my house all yelling and kicking furniture, it is pure insanity. And to think I used to think that Messi was the name of a detergent. France and Croatia are going to slug it out while the rest of us lose our voices while screaming maniacally when a goal is scored or missed. So here is to today’s final and all the fanatics around the world who would have only this column as a keep sake when the match has been won and lost, in addition to their memories which will be intact for a while, feeding on the addictive euphoria for a bit until the next world cup. These books are collectors’ items that everyone should own before or after any world cup. Enjoy.
1) The World Cup:
The World Cup: The complete History-this is an encyclopedic guide to the world’s premier tournament. From its earliest days to the 2006 world cup finals. This book has a chapter for every competition. A truly amazing reference book for the world cup.
2) A history of the World cup: 1930-2014
A history of the World cup: 1930-2014. This book is more updated than the first book. Written by Clemente Lin. It shows that there is no sporting event more popular than the world cup. Occurring for a full month, once every four years, it holds the attention of the entire world and attracts the attention of billions of people who sometimes travel to the venues of the matches but most times watch it from their TV sets wherever they are around the world. Lins does a great job by providing statistics, profiles and photos. He also showcases some of the World Cup’s most memorable and sometimes controversial players including Diego Maradona, Zenadine Zidane and of course Pele among others. It describes how many fans call in sick, fill up bars around the world or stay home just so they do not miss a match. Look out for all the viewing centers in Nigeria today. Would be filled to the brim. Watching a world cup final is often not a lonely experience.
3) 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia:
2018 FIFA World Cup Russia: The official book.by Keir Kadnedge. This book is an expert analysis of each of the 32 teams and its super players. It also contains a guide to all 12 stadiums in Russia and the eleven host cities.
4) Soccernomics the 2018 Edition
by Stefan Szymarki Soccernomics the 2018 Edition by Stefan Szymarki . This is an international bestseller described as the most intelligent book ever written about Soccer (San Francisco chronicle. It analyses why England loses, and why Germany, France and Spain win and why one day Iraq, America and Japan would become kings of soccer. It also takes a look at the FIFA scandal, women’s football and the rise of Iceland in the beautiful game. An interesting read.
1,00 Football Clubs: Team, Stadiums and Legend of the beautiful game by Jean Damien Lesay
5) And for those like my son who need to continue to feed their love of soccer long after the world cup is over, here is a peace offering. 1,00 Football Clubs: Team, Stadiums and Legend of the beautiful game by Jean Damien Lesay. This book looks into what makes 1,00 clubs tick and is well illustrated with teams from 100 countries. This is a truly in-depth book on soccer clubs around the world. It is comprehensive and also looks at merchandising and the culture of those who support this team almost like a religion. It showcases legendary players and their impactful coaches and provides the history and inner workings of the team.
As France and Croatia prepare to do battle today, may the best team win. Meanwhile get your popcorn, pepper soup or fried fish and get a friend or more to join you. This is advisable for consolations and perhaps wild celebrations. Until the next four years, Good luck to both teams and their supporters. Oooh…its fever pitch!