Ever wondered when and where soccer was played for the first time? Do you know the history of the first soccer association? Have you explored the science behind the sport? From the early soccer events to the most recent tournaments, reveals a fascinating story. Follow the evolution of the ball itself, from inflated animal bladders to modern synthetic ones. Know what it feels like to walk in the specialized boots worn by the players - from studless ones from the 19th century to the modern ones with changeable screw-in studs. Profiling more than 65 of the world's best sporting nations, World Cup winners, and looking at techniques from free-kicks to block tackling, this is the ultimate guide to the beautiful game. It includes bite-sized biographies of superstar players and results from all major tournaments, as well as details about different national teams and clubs. Whether you are a keen player, a lifelong club supporter, or an armchair soccer manager, is packed with amazing pictures and facts to interest new and old fans of the "beautiful game".