The Kingfisher Soccer Encyclopedia

by Clive Gifford

Overview

The Kingfisher Soccer Encyclopedia captures the triumph and despair of pivotal moments in world soccer. Packed with pictures and profiles of the world's most skilful soccer players - old and new - from Beckham to Messi, Pelé to Ronaldo, Rooney to Neymar. Over 40 of the best sides to have lit up the game are covered in detail, including the U.S's men's and women's teams, Brazil, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Spain.

All the drama of the "beautiful game" is fully analyzed with dynamic full-spread photos and digital artworks that recreate famous moves and goals, while each chapter includes links to websites, providing a valuable access point to databases of players, international results, all the major tournaments, and club histories. Includes in-depth coverage of every aspect of soccer, including rules and skills; fans and the media; managers and tactics. Packed with the latest statistics and fully updated for this new edition, this is a superbly detailed reference book for all the family.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780753473900
Publisher:	Kingfisher
Publication date:	03/20/2018
Series:	Kingfisher Encyclopedias Series
Pages:	144
Sales rank:	266,905
Product dimensions:	8.25(w) x 10.75(h) x (d)
Age Range:	10 - 14 Years

About the Author

Clive Gifford is an award-winning author of more than fifty books on the subjects of sports and soccer. His previous titles for Kingfisher include The Kingfisher Soccer Encyclopedia, Soccer Skills, Summer Olympics, and Soccer.

Editorial Reviews

This comprehensive compilation of facts written by a soccer expert emphasizes modern professional soccer players but also explores historical precedents and amateur and youth competitors. Color-coded sections profile playing positions and skills; rules and penalties; strategies; teams; competitions, including the Olympics; and remarkable coaches and male and female players. Other sections discuss referees, stadiums, and fans, revealing the economic and cultural impact of soccer worldwide and mentioning corruption, scandals, and tragedies associated with that sport. Describing triumphs and disappointments soccer personalities have experienced, brief passages tell how several famous players were discovered, citing the millions of dollars they earn annually and why teams recruited them. Abundant color images, black-and-white photographs, and a World Cup poster complement the text. Several two-page spreads highlight significant moments and people in soccer history. Diagrams show how notable goals were scored in landmark games. Sidebars recommend relevant websites and note facts elaborating soccer topics. Charts list players and teams statistics and results for major competitions, from their beginnings to the present. Information concerning World Cup and other important tournaments scheduled after publication is included. U.S. soccer information is confined to a brief reference section lacking photographs. A glossary defines some, but not all, of the terms used in the text. Supplement with Hugh Hornby's Eyewitness Soccer (2005), which provides historical information and images of artifacts and memorabilia not available in this encyclopedia. 2006, Kingfisher/Houghton Mifflin, Ages 9 up.
—Elizabeth D. Schafer

Children's Literature

Gr 6-10-Beginning with the history of the sport, Gifford covers the basic rules as well as skills such as defending the ball, goalkeeping, and attacking. He includes brief bios of the legends of the sport, both men and women, organized by their positions. Fascinating tales of great teams and memorable competitions in events such as the World Cup and the 2004 Olympics will entertain fans of the sport. The font tends to be small, creating a dense look to the pages, but the large as well as thumbnail color photos appear often and break up the text. This book could be used as a reference guide for reports or to answer specific questions. A solid purchase where an all-encompassing encyclopedia is needed.-Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal

“This comprehensive compilation of facts written by a soccer expert emphasizes modern professional soccer players but also explores historical precedents and amateur and youth competitors.” —Children's Literature

“A solid purchase where an all-encompassing encyclopedia is needed.” —School Library Journal

From the Publisher

The year 2010 celebrates the return of Soccer's World Cup after a four-year absence. With an increase in the number of soccer players throughout the United States and teens' growing interest in the game, this resource arrives at just the right time. Gifford does an excellent job of covering most aspects of the game from its history of a hundred-plus years to its current rules and tactics, teams, competitions, and famous players. Each section is clearly identified and provides additional information about the game. Of particular interest is a section entitled "The Brain Game" that describes the coach's many roles from assembling the team to providing the strategies to be used on the field. Too often coaches are overlooked, but Gifford not only features famous coaches, he also presents their successful techniques as well. The pictures have been updated for this new edition, showcasing the Euro 2008 as well as the African Nations Cup of the same year. Internet links are included for many of the entries. A snapshot of South Africa and a World Cup wall chart round out this encyclopedia, which compares favorably to the World Encyclopedia of Soccer (Lorenz Books, 2010). Students involved in the sport or interested in specific teams or players will appreciate this book. Reviewer: Etienne Vallee

VOYA - Etienne Vallee