Soccer Fever

Few soccer books can offer the African perspective on the game as Alegi's (history, Michigan State Univ.) does here, taking a historical and economic approach to relate how British and French colonizers introduced soccer in Africa and how soccer has evolved there. Full of the names and places associated with soccer teams and legendary players ruling the pitch, the book challenges the conventional attitude that soccer is dominated by Europeans. Alegi also notes the major role soccer has played in the Pan-African movement and that many Africans play internationally, leaving their native lands for the richer playing fields of Europe. His most significant conclusion centers on soccer as an instrument in African anticolonial activities. This will not be the most popular soccer book of the summer, but it's one of the more important ones.

A fun yet informative guide to the World Cup, this inexpensive volume provides group match-ups, player and country profiles, trivia, and brief histories to cups of the past. Generously illustrated, the book is ideal for reading on your flight to observe the cup firsthand—or for browsing between television viewings. Many of the soccer books now on the market offer greater depth and analysis, but this one is a useful guide for the casual or serious soccer fan.

The title says it all—Africans have a passion for soccer and the game unites nations divided by war, politics, and religion like no other game in the world. Bloomfield (former Africa correspondent, Independent) traveled across 13 African nations, meeting soccer players, supporters, and political leaders who turn to the game for local and national solidarity. Chapters can be both depressing and uplifting—see the section on Somalia, for example, and his discussion of how in the Ivory Coast soccer was the balm needed to end continuous conflict. At times in peril during his travels, the author relates what soccer means in nations where poverty and danger go hand-in-hand. The result is a highly charged read at least as much about politics as soccer. Highly recommended.

Well known New York Daily News columnist Bondy tackles American soccer, from the heights of a 1950 stunner over England to the depths of 2006, when the U.S. squad could barely get a shot on goal. Bondy treats readers to an inside view of the current American team that will chase after World Cup glory in South Africa this summer—like players Landon Donovan and Joey Altidore, goal tender Tim Howard, and coach Bob Bradley. Placing soccer within a social, economic, and sporting context, the author provides readers with a fast-paced, enjoyable read about the game and the quest. A remarkable account; essential for all fans of the game. Highly recommended.

Zidane and Thuram, names synonymous with France's soccer fortunes, are as meaningful in the soccer world as Lebron and Kobe are to basketball fans. These two players, especially the electrifying Zinedine Zidane, are the central figures in this well-researched, well-written history of the game in France. Focusing on France's 1998 World Cup victory on French soil and the disgrace of the 2006 finals when Zidane inexplicably butted an Italian player and cost his team the final match, Dubois (French & history, Duke Univ.) weaves an intriguing tale of soccer within the matrix of France's history of colonialism, taking into account race and the powerful social forces in France and the international community. Highly recommended for serious soccer fans.

This history of—and guide to—the World Cup attests to ESPN's dominance in covering sports in general and the cup in particular. Arranged chronologically, the guide takes readers through cup competitions of the past 80 years—fewer teams played years ago, but we are reminded that the World Cup extends back to well before the television era. Focusing on great teams and players, the accessible text is evenhanded. The authors, both accomplished soccer writers, throw in portraits of cult figures like Nobby Stiles of England (1966), great rivalries such as Argentina and Brazil, great games, and even the worst teams ever. Unburdened by endless statistics and scores, the guide does include three pages of facts and figures at the end and dozens of photos throughout. An affordable purchase, an enduring value.

This comprehensive history follows U.S. women's soccer from its inception in 1985 to World Cup and Olympic success. Indeed, two World Cups (1991, 1999) and three Olympic golds (1996, 2004, 2008) make for a considerable accomplishment. Lisi (New York Post; A History of the World Cup, 1930–2006) details the development of women's soccer in a lively text interrupted only by brief player profiles. Fifteen pages of match results and statistics conclude the volume. This readable text is recommended for soccer fans and academic collections with an emphasis on sports.

Far from the hoopla of the World Cup is the soccer world of Woodburn, OR, where the high school Bulldogs have been always in the playoffs but never the state champions. A team dominated by Latinos (mostly from Mexico), Los Perros (or Bulldogs) compete against schools with greater resources and social stability, but their story is as compelling as that of whoever wins the cup this summer. Wilson documents the squad's 2005 season, a tale about soccer but also about the lives of young men who struggle to stay in school, work, and play the game they love. Essential for soccer fans and those who find inspiration in young people achieving well beyond expectations.