Why the U.S. Men Will Never Win the World Cup

Why the U.S. Men Will Never Win the World Cup

Author: Beau Dure

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Published: 2019-11-15

Total Pages: 247

ISBN-13: 1538127822

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October 10, 2017. The U.S. men’s soccer team loses in Trinidad and Tobago, and fails to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. Winning soccer’s greatest prize never seemed more distant. Immediate fixes—a new coach, a revamped professional league, a commitment to coaching education—won’t put the USA in the global elite. The nation is too fractious, too litigious, too wrapped up in other sports, and too late to the game. In Why the U.S. Men Will Never Win the World Cup: A Historical and Cultural Reality Check, Beau Dure shows what American soccer is really up against. Using hundreds of sources to trace more than 100 years of history, Dure delves into the culture that only recently lost its disdain for the global game and still doesn’t have the depth of soccer insight and passion that much of the world has had for generations. The difficulty isn’t any single thing—the mismanagement of failed leagues, the inability to agree on a path forward, the lawsuits that stem from an inability to agree, or the unique American culture that treasures its homegrown sports. It’s everything. And yet, Why the U.S. Men Will Never Win the World Cup is ultimately optimistic. Dure argues that with the right long-term changes, the U.S. can build a soccer environment that consistently produces quality players, strong results, and a lot more fun on the international stage. Soccer fans and skeptics alike will find this a fascinating examination of America’s past, present, and future in the beautiful game.


Farewell to Sport

Farewell to Sport

Author: Paul Gallico

Publisher: Open Road Media

Published: 2015-04-07

Total Pages: 281

ISBN-13: 1504009487

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One of Sports Illustrated’s Top 100 Sports Books of All Time: A classic collection by one of the twentieth century’s most influential sportswriters From 1923 to 1937, New York Daily News columnist Paul Gallico’s dispatches from ringside, rink-side, the sidelines, and the grandstand were a must-read for every American sports fan. Where else could one discover what it was really like to box heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey? To tee off against golfing legend Bobby Jones? To strap on a glove and try to catch Dizzy Dean’s ferocious fastball? Gallico went where no other reporter dared, and for that he earned a permanent place in the pantheon of great American sportswriters alongside Ring Lardner, Red Smith, and Roger Kahn. Then, like a pitcher hanging up his cleats after throwing a perfect game, Gallico walked away to pursue other authorial interests, including the fiction that earned him his greatest renown. His parting gift to his devoted readers was Farewell to Sport, a collection of twenty-six of his finest pieces. In these bulletins from the golden age of sports, Gallico profiles icons such as Babe Ruth, Bill Tilden, and Gene Tunney. He exposes the scripted drama of professional wrestling and the hypocrisy of big-time college football. And in feats of daring that went on to inspire a whole new school of journalism, he sacrifices his pride to meet the greatest athletes of the day on their own turf. A brilliant snapshot of a fascinating era in sports history and a masterwork remarkably ahead of its time, Farewell to Sport is a fitting testament to the legacy of Paul Gallico.


Farewell But Not Goodbye

Farewell But Not Goodbye

Author: Bobby Robson

Publisher:

Published: 2009-08-20

Total Pages: 336

ISBN-13: 9781444709490

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Sir Bobby Robson died on the morning of 31 July 2009. Revered in Newcastle and the North East, he was a man who enjoyed phenomenal popularity, and touched so many people with his sincerity and passion for the game of football. From his playing days with Fulham and West Brom in the 1950s and 60s, to his twenty England caps and his brilliant management career, Bobby Robson inspired generations of fans. However, Bobby's story is not just about these great achievements. In this book he provided a fascinating insight into his childhood and early adult years growing up in the North East, and his working life before football in the mines of Langley Park, where he went underground for a year and a half at the age of fifteen. One of English football's most successful managers, Bobby witnessed some of the most historic sporting moments during his incredible career, including such epic incidents as the 'Hand of God' and Gazza's tears. He wrote of leading England through two World Cups and the agony of coming within a penalty kick of the 1990 World Cup final. Bobby's story takes in many countries, many clubs and many of the world's most illustrious players. He inspired deep affection for the qualities that he always embodied: passion, humour, hard work and fair play. Bobby Robson's story is a rich and diverse one; this moving and entertaining autobiography celebrates the remarkable life of a sporting legend.


World Soccer Records 2025

World Soccer Records 2025

Author: Keir Radnedge

Publisher: Welbeck

Published: 2024-10-29

Total Pages: 705

ISBN-13: 1802798641

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The best-selling collection of soccer facts, stats and stories is back for another fully updated edition! World Soccer Records 2025 offers lively, fun and fascinating facts and stats from the world of international soccer. Focusing on all the major world and continental tournaments, national team records, exceptional matches and the stars who made it all possible, this exhaustively researched annual tells the stories of these key moments and the players and coaches behind them. This new edition includes updated stats and facts for all recent major tournaments, awards and international teams. You'll also find the latest record-breaking achievements of more than 35 featured nations from around the world, including a sidebar with key stats, as well as updates and records for most of the other 170+ FIFA members.


The Illustrated History of Football

The Illustrated History of Football

Author: David Squires

Publisher: Random House

Published: 2016-11-03

Total Pages: 210

ISBN-13: 1473536715

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Stunningly illustrated by David Squires (as featured in the Guardian), The Illustrated History of Football is a wry look at the highs and lows of the beautiful game. Laugh-out- loud and occasionally moving, it's the perfect gift for anyone who loves football. 'Squires is the master of the football comic strip and this collection is recommended reading for enlightened football fans everywhere' -- Late Tackle 'No one captures the absurdities and ugliness of football better than him ... hilarious' -- Coach Magazine '[Illustrated History of Football] is the funniest football tome since Viz's Billy the Fish Football Yearbook, published 26 years earlier' -- Esquire 'Simply brilliant - my favourite football book' -- ***** Reader review 'Completely amazing cartoons with beautiful insight as to the how, why, when & wow' -- ***** Reader review 'Simply wonderful' -- ***** Reader review 'One of the funniest books I've read in a very long time. A must for anyone who loves football' -- ***** Reader review ********************************************************************************************* Football and comics. Once a hearty Saturday combination to match cartoons and cereal, in recent years they've drifted apart. Thankfully for us, illustrator Squires is here to change all that. In The Illustrated History of Football, his first book, Squires relives some of football's most glorious moments and meets its greatest figures. In a sport full of handsome paycheques and corporate sponsors, he also casts a critical eye over corrupt backroom workings and helps pierce football's overblown balloon. Funny, good-looking and preternaturally astute, this book is everything Sepp Blatter wishes he could be. More than the archetypal loo book, this is a satirical look at the highs and lows of football and the perfect gift for all fans...


Farewell to the Last Golden Era

Farewell to the Last Golden Era

Author: Bill Morales

Publisher: McFarland

Published: 2011-08-10

Total Pages: 234

ISBN-13: 078648568X

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In 1960, Major League Baseball reached a crossroads in its history. Facing a challenge from the Continental Baseball League, the owners of the original 16 major league teams elected to admit new clubs. This in-depth look at that pivotal season--the last played with only the original 16 teams--follows the New York Yankees and the Pittsburgh Pirates on their march to the 1960 World Series. The trials and triumphs of these two teams reflect the changes, large and small, that came to define the sport in the following decades--surnames on the backs of the uniforms, exploding scoreboards, the increasing impact of international players, and foremost of all, expansion. Marking the end of the "Golden Age" of baseball and the beginning of the ascendancy of professional football as the national pastime, this historic season witnessed the intersection of the past and future of American professional sports.


Ronaldo (Classic Football Heroes - Limited International Edition)

Ronaldo (Classic Football Heroes - Limited International Edition)

Author: Matt & Tom Oldfield

Publisher: Dino Books

Published: 2018-05-31

Total Pages: 125

ISBN-13: 1786069458

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Complete your collection with these limited Ultimate Football Heroes International editions – now with a bonus World Cup chapter. This is the rollercoaster story of how Ronaldo grew up to become a superstar striker for Brazil, Barcelona and Real Madrid. Struck down by illness on the day of the 1998 World Cup final, he showed world-class skill and determination to come back four years later and single-handedly destroy Germany in the 2002 final to prove, once and for all, that he was one of the greatest strikers ever.


Routledge Handbook of Sports Journalism

Routledge Handbook of Sports Journalism

Author: Rob Steen

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2020-11-17

Total Pages: 400

ISBN-13: 1317205758

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The Routledge Handbook of Sports Journalism is a comprehensive and in-depth survey of the fast-moving and multifaceted world of sports journalism. Encompassing historical and contemporary analysis, and case studies exploring best practice as well as cutting edge themes and issues, the book also represents an impassioned defence of the skill and art of the trained journalist in an era of unmediated digital commentary. With contributions from leading sports-media scholars and practising journalists, the book examines journalism across print, broadcast and digital media, exploring the everyday reality of working as a contemporary reporter, editor or sub-editor. It considers the organisations that shape output, from PR departments to press agencies, as well as the socio-political themes that influence both content and process, such as identity, race and gender. The book also includes interviews with, and biographies of, well-known journalists, as well as case studies looking at the way that some of the biggest names in world sport, from Lance Armstrong to Caster Semenya, have been reported. This is essential reading for all students, researchers and professionals working in sports journalism, sports broadcasting, sports marketing and management, or the sociology or history of sport.


From Jack Johnson to Lebron James

From Jack Johnson to Lebron James

Author: Chris Lamb

Publisher: U of Nebraska Press

Published: 2016

Total Pages: 459

ISBN-13: 0803285248

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The campaign for racial equality in sports has both reflected and affected the campaign for racial equality in the United States. Some of the most significant and publicized stories in this campaign in the twentieth century have happened in sports, including, of course, Jackie Robinson in baseball; Jesse Owens, Tommie Smith, and John Carlos in track; Arthur Ashe in tennis; and Jack Johnson, Joe Louis, and Muhammad Ali in boxing. Long after the full integration of college and professional athletics, race continues to play a major role in sports. Not long ago, sportswriters and sportscasters ignored racial issues. They now contribute to the public's evolving racial attitudes on issues both on and off the field, ranging from integration to self-determination to masculinity. From Jack Johnson to LeBron James examines the intersection of sports, race, and the media in the twentieth century and beyond. The essays are linked by a number of questions, including: How did the black and white media differ in content and context in their reporting of these stories? How did the media acknowledge race in their stories? Did the media recognize these stories as historically significant? Considering how media coverage has evolved over the years, the essays begin with the racially charged reporting of Jack Johnson's reign as heavyweight champion and carry up to the present, covering the media narratives surrounding the Michael Vick dogfighting case in a supposedly post-racial era and the media's handling of LeBron James's announcement to leave Cleveland for Miami.