The Simplest Game: The Intelligent Fan's Guide to the World of Soccer [Paperback]

Paul Gardner (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1996

Revised in time for the new soccer league and the 1996 Olympics, The Simplest Game continues to be the reference on the game, its players, and its history. Now with photos throughout of the most memorable and talented players, the book traces the evolution of soccer from a crude, rustic pastime into a sophisticated worldwide business and offers a wealth of facts, figures, rules, and anecdotes to delight anyone with a passing or devout interest in the sport. With an introduction by Pele, The Simplest Game is the only book the soccer fan will ever need.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

With the 1994 World Cup just around the corner, the author offers a new edition of a book he wrote in 1976 ( LJ 10/1/76. o.p.). In this update, he chronicles World Cup activities from 1930 to 1990, the changing aspects of the game, and the rise of soccer in the United States. The appendixes feature a glossary, a list of governing body rules and members, plus a record of Olympic and club champions. The difference between the earlier edition and the current study lies in Gardner's analysis of soccer in the United States between 1970 and the present--in particular, the failure of the United States Soccer Federation to establish a quality professional league similar to what exists in Europe and South America. Soccer enthusiasts will enjoy reading Gardner's informative book. Recommended for public libraries.
- L.R. Little, Penticton P.L., B . C .
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Soccer's premier international event, the World Cup, will take place in the U.S. this summer, so expect a glut of material on the event and the sport--but don't expect to find anything better than this updated overview by one of soccer's most respected reporters. Gardner, currently the author of a column for Soccer America magazine, has covered the sport for decades. He provides historical background on the game's origins before supplying detailed analyses of each of the previous World Cup competitions. He also reports on the funneling systems employed by other countries to develop young players into potential international-caliber stars. Perhaps of most interest to American fans will be Gardner's discussion of the strategy shifts that the game has undergone in recent years. He is especially critical of the modern defense-dominated approach, arguing persuasively that, without enough energy devoted to offense, soccer can become a tedious, dull game. Appended are the international rules, a glossary, and various lists of Cup winners and outstanding players. An excellent, thorough guide to modern soccer. Wes Lukowsky --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 360 pages
• Publisher: Macmillan General Reference; 3rd edition (June 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0028604016
• ISBN-13: 978-0028604015
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,004,451 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE soccer book from THE soccer guru, February 10, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The Simplest Game: The Intelligent Fan's Guide to the World of Soccer (Paperback)

Paul Gardner knows what he is talking about. His incredibly entertaining book is punctuated by a sharp wit and thought provoking opinions, and is not hurt by the fact that the game has had such a fascinating history.

Gardner cannot resist putting his opinion into his stories, but it has such a throwback, purist's appeal, that you can't help but pay attention and agree with him. He goes through the history of the game, all the major competitions (World cups 1930-1994, Olympics 1896-1992, European championships), the state of the game worldwide, the state of the game in America and its hopes for the future, and the history of tactics and all the major styles of play.

It really makes no difference that it was prepared for the 1996 Olympics, because if you had not read it on the cover you would probably not have realized that as you were going the book. Gardner does not base the book around this fact at all, making it truly the intelligent fan's guide to soccer.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE Soccer Primer for an intelligent fan, January 25, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Simplest Game: The Intelligent Fan's Guide to the World of Soccer (Paperback)

Gardner's book is exactly what it claims to be. This is not a book for a moron, this is a book for a soccer fan who wants to know how the game is played, has been played, is managed, the history of the game, and the possible future of the game. Gardner is very opinionated, but his opinions are geared toward encouraging intelligent, exciting, attack-oriented soccer. I read this book during my first season of viewing MLS in the US, and now I keep track of the Bundesliga, Premier League, Primera, Serie A, and many other leagues with gusto.

If you are a soccer fan, and your love of the game goes beyond the unintelligent hooligan type, this is the book for you.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for any true soccer fan, February 13, 2000

By 

[e-mail] (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Simplest Game: The Intelligent Fan's Guide to the World of Soccer (Paperback)

Plain and Simple. If you want to know the history of soccer. GET THIS BOOK. I played for 15yrs but never knew the history of the game. I am now getting ready to coach the sport I love and wanted to know the history. Talk about a great find this book was. Everything I ever wanted to know was here. Learn about the World Cups, Olympics, Tactics and the Future of the game. I am so happy I got this book because I know so much more about the game then I ever dreamt.BUY IT!