This is one that, when it hits, it really hits. The writing is lyrical and shows a deep understanding of the history of the game without lingering too long on any one topic. The book is at its best when looking at issues around the game, such as financial corruption and the spread of televised sports. That said, the structure of the book is pretty stagnant (here's what was happening in the world during this World Cup, here are the top scorers, etc.) and the text lags a little when he gets into describing individual goals from decades ago, which I'm sure were marvelous to watch but run together on the page.