{"title":"Homepage - World Cups","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"in-the-heat-of-the-midday-sun-the-indelible-story-of-the-1986-world-cup","title":"In the Heat of the Midday Sun: The Indelible Story of the 1986 World Cup","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the publisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003eIn the Heat of the Midday Sun\u003c\/em\u003e is a love letter to the 1986 World Cup. A tournament viewed via the shimmering satellite images of an age before the dawn of high-definition coverage - which was introduced four years later, at Italia '90 - it was the last World Cup where the commentaries sounded like they were broadcast from the surface of the moon. Mexico took on the tournament after Colombia failed to deliver on their host candidature, relinquishing the rights in 1983.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWith a devastating Mexico City earthquake just eight months before the big kick-off, it was a miracle that the Estadio Azteca was still able to be the venue of Diego Maradona's greatest and most infamous hours. As well as Argentina's most gifted son, Mexico '86 was blessed by the presence of Socrates, Platini, Francescoli, Butragueno, Belanov and Elkjaer to name but a few of the icons on display. This is the story of an evocative World Cup that seemed to be held together by Sellotape.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe author:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSteven is a senior writer and podcaster for These Football Times. He has featured on Guardian Sport and The Athletic. His debut book, \u003cem\u003eA Tournament Frozen in Time\u003c\/em\u003e, was shortlisted for Football Book of the Year at The Telegraph's 2020 Sports Book Awards. He also authored the book's sequels, \u003cem\u003eWhere the Cool Kids Hung Out\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eThe Undisputed Champions of Europe\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cspan\u003e---\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePitch Publishing\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e22 x 14 cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eHardback\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e352 pages\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eIncludes colour photo section\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eMay 2022\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eEnglish\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e9781801500975\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Steven Scragg","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42857502114019,"sku":"","price":16.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0271\/5149\/9341\/products\/2022-05-1019.45.05.jpg?v=1652290027"},{"product_id":"echoes-of-an-italian-summer-stories-from-italia-90","title":"Echoes of an Italian Summer: Stories from Italia 90","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the publisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEchoes of an Italian Summer reveals the fascinating stories that underpin the magical Italia 90 World Cup, many of them told for the first time in this enthralling book. For many football fans - including the author - Italia 90 is fondly remembered as the first World Cup that was truly theirs. While a lot has been written about the tournament itself, many stories surrounding that pivotal World Cup have been lost with the passage of time.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e The book examines Italia 90 from a fresh new angle, unearthing an array of stories with this iconic World Cup at their heart that will fascinate football fans everywhere. While reading this superb collection of tales, you'll learn about the other Schillaci who could have made it to the World Cup, the goalkeeper who went on to play in the NFL, the impact of the removal of the back-pass rule and the story behind the now-legendary kit worn by Germany. Echoes of an Italian Summer is chock-full of World Cup nostalgia and previously untold tales.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe author:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Grech is a prolific author with several books under his belt. Among his notable works are two volumes of Il Re Calcio, which showcase fascinating stories from Italian football. He also wrote \u003cem\u003eThe Forgotten Genius of Italian Football\u003c\/em\u003e, a biography that chronicles the life and career of Carlo Carcano, an early luminary in Italian football management. The book was translated into Italian in 2022.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e---\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePitch Publishing\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e22 x 15 cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePaperback\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e320 pages\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eOctober 2023\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eEnglish\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e9781801504546\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Paul Grech","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44066214805731,"sku":null,"price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0271\/5149\/9341\/files\/2023-10-1808.31.54.jpg?v=1697812957"},{"product_id":"the-summer-of-total-football-the-1974-world-cup","title":"The Summer of Total Football: The 1974 World Cup","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the publisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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 progressive and versatile, and is revered to this day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe author:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNeil Jensen is a football and finance writer who has been published in a broad range of publications, including \u003ci\u003eThe Economist\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eThe Blizzard\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eWorld Soccer\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eThe New European\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eFootball Weekends\u003c\/i\u003e. He has also written for \u003ci\u003eFootball Benchmark\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eSoccerex\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eBrand Finance\u003c\/i\u003e and the World Football Summit. His previous books include \u003ci\u003eThe Great Uncrowned\u003c\/i\u003e. He is the founder and editor of Game of the People, an award-winning website.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cspan\u003e---\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePitch Publishing\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e22 x 14 cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eHardback\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e320 pages\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eJune 2024\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eEnglish\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e9781801507219\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Neil Jensen","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45136992698595,"sku":null,"price":18.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0271\/5149\/9341\/files\/2024-06-1411.37.04.jpg?v=1718365328"},{"product_id":"golden-generations-the-story-of-the-2006-fifa-mens-world-cup","title":"Golden Generations: The Story of the 2006 FIFA Men's World Cup","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the publisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGolden Generations: The Story of the 2006 FIFA Men’s World Cup tells the tale of one of the most action-packed international tournaments in recent memory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom Philipp Lahm’s extraordinary goal just six minutes in, to Zinedine Zidane’s infamous headbutt, it was a World Cup that had it all.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith all six confederations represented for the first time since 1982, there was a truly global feel to this World Cup. There were subplots attached to almost every nation at the tournament.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGermany were in the midst of a rebuild, the Italians had the cloud of Calciopoli hanging over them and France and England were nearing the end of an era with their talented squads.\u003cbr\u003eEven the debutant nations were filled with household names, from the Touré brothers and Didier Drogba with the Ivory Coast to Dwight Yorke dropping into midfield to captain Trinidad and Tobago.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGolden Generations explores the plots and subplots that defined the 2006 World Cup, from the tournament’s beginnings to the legacy it left behind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe author:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMichael Gallwey is a history graduate and football writer. He has had work featured for These Football Times and Football Chronicle, as well as other publications and websites. He contributed to Iberia Chronicles, a collaborative exploration of Spanish and Portuguese football. Golden Generations is his first solo book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e---\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePitch Publishing\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e22 x 14 cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eHardback\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e352 pages\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eJuly 2023\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eEnglish\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-list-item\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e978-1801504577\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Michael Gallwey","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57891147678077,"sku":null,"price":25.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0271\/5149\/9341\/files\/2026-03-0509.08.18.jpg?v=1772749058"},{"product_id":"mundiales-a-south-american-history-of-the-world-cup","title":"Mundiales: A South American History of the World Cup","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the publisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMundiales is a sweeping history of the World Cup told exclusively from a South American perspective. From Uruguay’s Olympic triumphs in 1924 and 1928 to the canonisation of Lionel Messi in Qatar, Tim Vickery and Mark Biram reframe football’s greatest spectacle around the continent that gave it myth, tragedy and glory. This book blends footballing drama with political context and cultural identity, showing how South America not only hosted and won the World Cup but also went a long way (perhaps more than any other continent) towards shaping it into the epic it is today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrawing on decades of immersion and lived experience, together with research using Spanish and Portuguese sources, Mundiales offers fresh perspectives previously unseen in the English language. It is a story of artistry and grit, of style and symbolism, of nations finding themselves through the game. With vivid storytelling and sharp analysis, this is the definitive account of South America’s enduring love affair with the World Cup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe author:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"a-section a-spacing-small a-padding-small\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrom his base in Rio de Janeiro, Tim Vickery has been writing for \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-text-italic\"\u003eWorld Soccer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and broadcasting weekly on BBC radio’s World Football Phone-In since 1997. For more than 15 years he has been appearing every week on Brazilian TV. Mark Biram is a writer and academic who holds a PhD in Hispanic Studies and specialises in South American football. 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Under the leadership of General Jorge Videla, up to 30,000 citizens, categorised as subversives, 'disappeared'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis definitive account of Argentina 1978 chronicles:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Argentina's first World Cup triumph, staged during the nation’s darkest days\u003cbr\u003e- The military government's control of the tournament – how they galvanised their efforts to root out their enemies and unite a deeply divided country\u003cbr\u003e- The international campaign to boycott the World Cup and expose Argentina’s human rights atrocities\u003cbr\u003e- The most infamous game in World Cup history – Argentina's defeat of Peru in Rosario, which was dogged by allegations of corruption, intimidation and bribery\u003cbr\u003e- The return of Rosario's prodigal son, Mario Kempes, from international exile to claim the World Cup golden boot\u003cbr\u003e- The nearly men of the Netherlands making their second consecutive World Cup final, while their talismanic captain, Johan Cruyff, watched from home\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDogged by allegations of bribery, coercion and an historic failed drugs test, this is the story of Argentina's maiden World Cup triumph and the controversy that simmered behind it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe author:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRhys Richards is a writer and English teacher from Pen y Graig in the Rhondda Valleys. He has been published in The Guardian and has written for These Football Times, The Football Pink and The Football History Boys, primarily focussing on football's role in Latin American history..\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e---\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePitch\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e20 x 13 cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePaperback\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e320 pages\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eMarch 2026\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eEnglish\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e9781836802457\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Rhys Richards","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57918392205693,"sku":null,"price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0271\/5149\/9341\/files\/2026-03-1108.59.33_682cd7b0-4ba3-4f96-9f55-5e370efd1003.jpg?v=1773223378"},{"product_id":"when-asia-welcomed-the-world-the-2002-world-cup-revisited-paperback","title":"When Asia Welcomed the World: The 2002 World Cup Revisited (paperback)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the publisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003eWhen Asia Welcomed the World\u003c\/em\u003e tells the story of the 2002 World Cup, a tournament that will be remembered for many reasons, from heart-warming stories to dark accusations. The book resurrects the great characters that lit up 2002's biggest footballing stage, including Ronaldo, Oliver Kahn, David Beckham and Rustu Recber, as well as humbling defeats for the game's giants at the hands of comparative minnows. It also explores the tournament's controversies and issues that arose before it had even begun.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis was Asia's first ever World Cup, with South Korea and Japan also acting as the continent's first ever co-hosts. The tournament's legacy has proved to be a divisive one, but it has remained ingrained in football's collective memory for 20 years and will continue to do so.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe author:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDanny Lewis is a freelance sports journalist and author of \u003cem\u003eThe Boleyn's Farewell: West Ham United's Upton Park Swansong\u003c\/em\u003e. He also contributed to the widely acclaimed compendium\u003cem\u003e Iberia Chronicles\u003c\/em\u003e. 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But four years later, in Mexico, redemption arrived. For three unforgettable weeks Brazil lit up the footballing world, culminating in Carlos Alberto Torres’ legendary strike in the 4-1 triumph over Italy. With Zagallo on the touchline and Pelé leading a cast of balletic stars, Brazil became a byword for the beautiful game, and closed their golden era in a blaze of glory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRead and you will discover:\u003cbr\u003e- The inside story of Brazil’s 1970 World Cup – players from that special side bring the tournament to life\u003cbr\u003e- Exclusive interviews with Gerson, Tostão, Clodoaldo, Jairzinho, Brito, Paulo Cézar Caju, Carlos Alberto Torres, Roberto Miranda and Mario Zagallo\u003cbr\u003e- How João Saldanha, a communist, rescued the Seleção during the military dictatorship\u003cbr\u003e- A profile of Dada Maravilha, once an urchin, then a star and a favourite of General Médici\u003cbr\u003e- How science prepared the team for Mexico’s altitude\u003cbr\u003e- An oral history of Brazil–England, a World Cup classic\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this vivid retelling, Sam Kunti strips away the myths to bring us the real story of the making of this legendary team. He journeys across Brazil, scours archives and libraries, and interviews countless aging heroes, reviving the tale of a team whose brilliance remains etched in the imagination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe author:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e A graduate of Leuven Law School and the journalism school at Columbia University, Sam Kunti is a regular contributor to World Soccer, the BBC, Forbes and Josimar. His work has also featured in The Blizzard and many other publications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e---\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePitch\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e20 x 13 cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePaperback\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e264 pages\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eMay 2026\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eEnglish\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-list-item\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e9781836802877\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Samindra Kunti","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58239367512445,"sku":null,"price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0271\/5149\/9341\/files\/2026-06-0111.33.57.jpg?v=1780322653"},{"product_id":"usa-94-the-world-cup-that-changed-the-game-paperback","title":"USA 94: The World Cup That Changed the Game (paperback)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the publisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUSA 94: The World Cup That Changed the Game is the story of how football’s final frontier was conquered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA band of volunteers begged, borrowed and remortgaged a house on their way to convincing FIFA to hand them the keys to the 1994 World Cup. When they got the green light, America faced the daunting task of presenting the greatest show on Earth to a nation of non-believers, with a press corps expecting them to fail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSix years later, the country famed for its glitz and razzmatazz delivered a summer of colour, drama and unforgettable goals. They confounded the doubters, shattered attendance records and drew fans in their millions. The full-throttle journey to the global phenomenon that football is today had begun:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- It was a tale of two missed penalties, a car chase, internal politics and triumph and tragedy in equal measure\u003cbr\u003e- Heroes were born, dreams were shattered and, for many, life would never be the same\u003cbr\u003e- Features exclusive insight from players, executives, coaches and journalists with first-hand experience of the tournament\u003cbr\u003e- Includes extensive research from both modern sources and archived accounts\u003cbr\u003e- A complete chronicle – from the bid process through to the final, played before 94,000 fans\u003cbr\u003e- Explores the tournament’s impact on football and its legacy in the USA and worldwide\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf Italia 90 unlocked the door to the modern game, then USA 94 kicked it open and nailed it to the wall. The revolution was here – and it was televised.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe author:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMatthew Evans is a freelance football writer who specialises in the history of the game. He has written extensively on all eras of the beautiful game for various online outlets as well as appearing on podcasts and in print for These Football Times and Nutmeg magazine. He is a huge fan of football nostalgia, and the 1994 World Cup remains a massive part of his education, having absorbed the tournament as a teenager.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e---\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePitch Publishing\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e20 x 13 cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePaperback\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e304 pages\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eMay 2026\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eEnglish\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product_spec\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-list-item\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e9781836802846\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Matthew Evans","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58240013599101,"sku":null,"price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0271\/5149\/9341\/files\/2026-06-0308.04.33.jpg?v=1780487723"},{"product_id":"1982-brazil-the-glorious-failure-paperback","title":"1982 Brazil: The Glorious Failure (paperback)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the publisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1982 Brazil tells the story of football's most exhilarating and entertaining World Cup side – a team blessed with Zico, Sócrates, Falcão, Éder and Júnior, who lit up Spain with their artistry.\u003cbr\u003eFrom acclaimed football writer Stuart Horsfield, who infuses this account of his specialist subject with passion and authority.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBacked by the samba rhythms of their fans, Brazil scored 15 goals in five games and dazzled the world. Yet their dream fell apart in the Sarrià Stadium against Italy, in a match still considered one of the greatest World Cup fixtures of all time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this gripping book you will discover:\u003cbr\u003e- The story of Brazil’s 1982 World Cup journey, from the final whistle in 1970 to the heartbreak in Sarrià and beyond\u003cbr\u003e- Analysis of 15 of the most beautiful goals ever scored at a World Cup\u003cbr\u003e- A detailed examination of arguably the greatest game in World Cup history\u003cbr\u003e- How Brazil’s defeat transformed the way football was played\u003cbr\u003e- First-hand insights from Zico, Falcão, John Adshead, John Helm, Patrick Barclay, Abraham Klein and Aleksandre Chivadze\u003cbr\u003e- Global press reactions to Brazil’s campaign, translated into English\u003cbr\u003e- Memories from fans across the globe – including Italy, the UK, Spain, France and Brazil, who recall the magic of that special side\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTold through the eyes of a young boy who fell in love with the men in yellow – and through the voices of those who witnessed Brazil's most glorious failure first-hand, 1982 Brazil is the definitive account of the greatest team never to win a World Cup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe author:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStuart Horsfield is a senior writer for These Football Times, contributing to their online long-form content and their bi-monthly magazine as well as hosting their Centre Circle podcast series. 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