2018 World Cup fever : a fanatic's guide to the stars, teams, stories, controversy, and excitement of sports' greatest event

For the Summer 2018 World Cup, the ultimate book for soccer fans around the globe! The world will be riveted by the globe's greatest sporting event in summer of 2018 (more than 27 million Americans watched the final game of the last tournament in Brazil). The 2018 edition will bring the sports's greatest stars together, but who will take home the trophy?favorites Germany, France, Brazil, Argentina? Or a surprise?Belgium, Mexico, Portugal, or Colombia? And why is the World Cup the greatest event in sports? Whether you call the game soccer or football, whether you have been watching the game for decades or are new to the joys of the beautiful game, you'll love what Stephen Rea has to say in World Cup Fever . Born in Belfast, and now rooting for Northern Ireland and Chelsea from his home in New Orleans, he breaks down what smart fans should know about the World Cups past and present. Chapters highlight shocking upsets; immortal players such as Pelé, Maradona, Zidane, Iniesta, Beckenbauer, Cruyff, and more; and the most thrilling games from every tournament, starting with tales of the thirteen teams that played in Uruguay 1930. With a look at the stars who will light up Russia in 2018?Lionel Messi (Argentina), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Paul Pogba (France), Neymar (Brazil), Thomas Müller (Germany)?this is the perfect read for anyone who believes that the World Cup is bigger than the Super Bowl, World Series, and Olympics combined. Often humorous and punctuated with personal anecdotes, passion, and knowledge, here is the beautiful game brought to life for every fan! Preface: Birth of a fan -- Introduction -- The story of the World Cup -- The USA's ruinous road to Russia -- The American dream: USA's World Cup story -- The startling eleven -- The unlucky 13: the best to never play in the World Cup -- A perfect ten -- The contenders -- Afterword -- Schedule -- Acknowledgments. Author Stephen Rea breaks down what smart fans should know about the World Cups past and present, including chapters on shocking upsets, legendary players, the most thrilling games from past tournaments, and a look at the stars who will play in the 2018 World Cup in Russia. A look back at the history of the World Cup and a preview of the 2018 competition in Russia.