'The assertion that 'football isn't a matter of life or death, it's much more important than that' has been veri fied repeatedly throughout modern history. It has bolstered tyrants and helped depose them; contributed to con flict and created cease fires. It has been an incubator of racism at home and helped bring down a racist regime abroad; shaped cities, changed cultures and inspired resistance. Its impact is as dynamic as the game itself. In this fascinating exploration, Jim Murphy takes us on a journey around the world and through the years, from Franco's Spain to Africa's Alcatraz, Robben Island. Charting the match that sparked a Central American war, the Barcelona team threatened at gunpoint, and the game that helped save Rupert Murdoch's media empire, among much else, Murphy lends a fresh new perspective to some of the most iconic moments in international football. Blending a love of the game with an appreciation of its place in global events, this is an authoritative and often humorous mix of sport and history, featuring fascinating first-hand insights from those most involved in the ten matches that changed the world - and the one that didn't.
- ISBN10 1322375321
- ISBN13 9781322375328
- Publish Date 1 January 2014
- Publish Status Active
- Out of Print 11 March 2015
- Publish Country US
- Imprint Biteback Publishing
- Format eBook
- Language English