Resources
No.44
May 2005
 
   

Book Review – How Soccer Explains the World
Emmanuel Ayim and Darlene A. Kluka, United States


Foer, F. (2004). How Soccer Explains the World. New York, NY: HarperCollins. ISBN: 0-06-621234-0. $24.95 USD 261 pages.
Foer provides an in-depth look at how soccer transcends colour barriers, cultural allegiances, and even religious affiliations to explain the world. The author begins with soccer examining the gangs of Serbia. Foer then explores the Rangers vs Celtics rivalry in Scotland. Rangers supporters are Protestants who adamantly dislike Catholic Celtics supporters. The author continues to examine the scarcity of Jewish sports legends. Sandy Koufax and Mark Spitz are mentioned, but generally speaking, the author claims that true Jewish sport legends arrive at a rate of one every decade. Furthermore, Foer chronicles the rise of hooliganism in English soccer, particularly the hooligans of Chelsea Football Club in West London. Across the Athlantic, Foer explains the passion and tradition of Brazilian soccer. Romario, the golden boy of the 1994 World Cup in USA is highlighted along with Rio's Club Vasco da Gama. In the Middle East, particularly in Iran, women are forbidden to attend soccer matches. Ironically, some women disguise their attire, dressing as men, to attend and enjoy the game. Under strict Islamic law, these women risk severe punishment if caught. Finally, Foer explains the inception and proliferation of youth soccer in America. He uses his own upbringing and participation to exhibit youth soccer in America. Foer's book is a must for anyone who has an international sportive outlook. One does not have to be a pure soccer enthusiast to appreciate the world explained by soccer that Foer proclaims.

Emmanuel Ayim and Darlene A. Kluka
Grambling State University of Louisiana, USA



http://www.icsspe.org/portal/bulletin-may2005.htm