W. J. Murray

"Known as much for the emotional outbursts and violence of its fans as for its own stars, soccer (or football, as it is known outside the United States) is a global game. Its international controlling body, FIFA, boasts more members than the United Nations." "Bill Murray traces the growth of what during pre-industrial times was called "the simplest game" through its codification in the nineteenth century to the 1994 World Cup, held for the first time in the United States. Murray weaves the sport's growth into the culture and politics of the countries where it has been taken up, analyzing its reputation as a game that has seen more riots and on-field brawls than all other types of football combined. He vividly illustrates how soccer has become the world's most popular sport, one that has resisted the interference of politicians, dictators, and profiteers and - more recently - the demands of television, through which it has spread to virtually every corner of the globe." "The World's Game will be entertaining and enlightening to anyone from the most avid, knowledgeable fan to those who merely hope to learn a little about the sport."--BOOK JACKET.

"Son of outspoken atheist Madalyn Murray O'Hair, now freed from his mother's oppressive beliefs, tells the true story of the Supreme Court victory which removed prayer from the public schools--and the seedbed of violence, delusions of grandeur, and Communist involvement which nutured it ..."--Jacket subtitle.

"Describes the science behind the sport of football, including offense, defense, special teams, and arenas"--Provided by publisher.

The fascinating story of the fastest growing sport in Australia and the ties it has to our culture and identity. In coming years football will continue to excite sports fans throughout Australia. The Socceroos will contest the world's leading nations on the international stage. The Asian Football Confederation Cup of Nations will be held in Australia in 2015. The Matildas will defend their Asian championship crown in 2014 and aim to qualify for the World Cup in Canada in 2015. Men and women can also look forward to another trip to Brazil in 2016 for the football competition at the Olympic Games. The beautiful game has grown in popularity and participation since the creation of the A-League in 2005, success in the World Cup in Germany in 2006, and entry into the Asian Confederation in that year. Football has shown that it can bring the entire nation together in international competition. Football has a long and fascinating history in Australia stretching back to the mid-19th century. It is a rich history, closely related to one of the main themes in this country's development: immigration and the problems of integration of successive generations into a rapidly evolving national identity. This history tells the story of the game in a lively and provocative account. Roy Hay and Bill Murray are respected academics, historians, and lovers of the game they have followed throughout their lives.