Before discussing the substance, it is advisable to stop for a few moments on the form. Thanks to its neat model and numerous photos, this book is a pleasure for the eyes. As for the substance, it is the fruit of the passion of Gérard Holtz and his son Julien.
Eighth title in the collection of 100 legendary stories, this opus dedicated to the round ball “does not tell the awards, but the anecdotes, behind the scenes and the careers of those who made us dream by their exploits and their personality”, explain the authors in the preamble of their book.
Which addresses four major themes: the history of the game and its rules, the unique fate of the biggest stars, iconic gestures and unforgettable exploits as well as scandals or other dramas that are also part of football history .
To turn the pages of this beautiful book is to come face to face with Antonin Panenka, Roberto Carlos, George Best, Eric Cantona, Lionel Messi, Just Fontaine, Zinedine Zidane… In particular. It also means being invited to the 1982 World Cup, to the 1993 Champions League final and even to the trenches of the First World War …
Also discover who invented the shin guards, how the ball became white, the speed of Roberto Carlos’ free kick against the Blues in 1997, which match was at the origin of a war in South America, the origin of the yellow card and red card …
So many little stories that make the great history of the round ball!
The 100 stories of football legends by Gérard and Julien Holtz, Gründ (Collection “The 100 legendary stories), 128 pages, 19.95 euros
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