| Edition |
First edition. |
| Description |
xix, 362 pages : illustrations ; 21 cm |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references (pages 341-342) and index. |
| Contents |
La Furia -- British roots -- Spanish roots -- Basques -- Catalans -- Madridistas -- Growing pains -- Soccer with Cojones -- The magic of Mr. Pentland -- The South American connection -- Gathering storms -- Soccer against the enemy: part 1 -- Soccer against the enemy: part 2 -- Franco rules -- World Cup, 1950 -- The boys from Almagro -- Di Stéfano -- Kubala and other Hungarians -- Herrera, the magician -- An officer in charge -- Rivals -- The death of Franco -- The vulture squad and Raúl -- Of God, mammon, and philosophy -- The cruyff factor and venables -- the bruiser from Barakaldo -- The wise man from Hortaleza -- From Beckham to Guardiola -- Champions of the world. |
| Summary |
La Roja is bestselling author Jimmy Burns tremendous opus on Spanish soccer. From its early beginnings when the first soccer on the shores of Bilbao and Buenos Aires was played by British sailors and engineers, through to the influx of South American stars, and similarly inspirational Italians, Dutchman and Scandinavians, Burns show how the engagement of foreigners with home-grown Spanish talent overcame political adversity and produced football of sublime skill and passion that intoxicates fans around the world. The book takes us on a journey through some of the extraordinary characters, classic matches, and brutal controversies that have defined Spanish football from the early days when a few enthusiasts developed their talent kicking a ball on a piece of industrial waste ground, to the emergence of rival giants, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid- the most powerful and successful football clubs in the world- to the Franco regime (that propped up the Madrid team) and democracy (where Barca has ruled), to and a national team that, encompassing all, became the world?s champion.-- Provided by publisher. |
| Subject |
Soccer -- Spain -- History.
|
|
Soccer teams -- Spain -- History.
|
| ISBN |
9781568587172 paperback |
|
1568587171 paperback |
|
9781568587189 (e-book) |
|
156858718X (e-book) |
|
