{"product_id":"9781743582176","title":"The World Cup: Heroes, hoodlums, high-kicks and head-butts","description":"Every four years in June, the planet grinds to a halt to witness the pursuit of one of sport’s greatest prizes: the \u003cb\u003eFIFA World Cup\u003c\/b\u003e. With a history populated by legends, scandal and diplomatic incidents, the World Cup has seen more than its fair share of triumph, heartbreak and intrigue – not to mention dictators, temper tantrums and the tears of fully-grown men…\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJoin author \u003cb\u003ePaul Hansford\u003c\/b\u003e on a journey into the (sometimes dark) heart of \u003ci\u003eThe World Cup\u003c\/i\u003e, where the biggest names in football – Pelé, Maradona, Moore, Beckenbauer, Cruyff, Ronaldo – forged their legends, and where the weird and wonderful side of the sport – from shoeless strikers and stolen trophies to psychic Dutchmen and doggy disruptions – captures the world’s imagination.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eComplete with a profile of every World Cup from 1930 to 2010, as well as a look at the tournament’s cult heroes, footballing superpowers, shocking moments and best conspiracy theories, this is your essential companion to the greatest – and maddest – month in world football.","brand":"Hardie Grant Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47149997949168,"sku":"9781743582176","price":7.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/9781743582176_p0.jpg?v=1763706315","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/9781743582176","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}