Every four years in June, the planet grinds to a halt to witness the pursuit of one of sport's greatest prizes: the FIFA World Cup. With a history populated by legends, scandal and diplomatic incidents, the World Cup has seen more than its fair share of triumph, heartbreak and intrigue – not to mention dictators, temper tantrums and the tears of fully-grown men...
Join author Paul Hansford on a journey into the (sometimes dark) heart of The World Cup, where the biggest names in football – Pelé, Maradona, Moore, Beckenbauer, Cruyff, Ronaldo – forged their legends, and where the weird and wonderful side of the sport – from shoeless strikers and stolen trophies to psychic Dutchmen and doggy disruptions – captures the world's imagination.
Complete with a profile of every World Cup from 1930 to 2010, as well as a look at the tournament's cult heroes, footballing superpowers, shocking moments and best conspiracy theories, this is your essential companion to the greatest – and maddest – month in world football.