Table Of ContentShane Stay
Are you wondering which teams will be participating in the 2018 S
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World Cup, which are the up-and-coming players to watch out for, a
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what the coaches’ strategies will be, or what the games in Russia will e
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look like? Then look no further. THE World Cup 2018 Book is a fun, ta
y
informative guide to the soccer World Cup in Russia. The book provides
all the information anyone would want to know about the World Cup,
including in-depth detail about all 32 teams—the players, coaches,
their histories, and strategies—and background information on each
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Russian stadium that will host a game, past World Cups, along with
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a look at FIFA (the organizing body of the World Cup). Not only will
you fi nd information on the current teams and playing conditions, but E
you will also gain a bit of insight into the history of the World Cup.
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Through detailed descriptions and fun anecdotes, author Shane Stay
will make you feel as though you are there at the Cup.
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Experience the World Cup with THE World Cup 2018 Book and know
r
all there is to know about the 2018 soccer World Cup! l
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C
THE AUTHOR
u
SHANE STAY is the author of Why American Soccer Isn’t There Yet and
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The Cairo Project, whose stories have also appeared in various online
and print publications in the genres of sport, humor, and modern 2
culture. In 2008, he played professional soccer, co-authored a print
0 THE World Cup
book, published a magazine story, bottled Leaf Dressing, worked clubs
as a comedian, was a restaurateur, and received a Master of Arts. 1 2018
8
In 1999, he founded the fi rst online Current Events Game (CE Game).
He has appeared on TV and featured on numerous radio broadcasts
B
including ESPN and NPR. He lives in Chicago, Illinois.
Book
o
o
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£ 9.95 UK
ISBN 978-1-78255-133-1 Everything you need to know about
All books available as e-books. M&
M the soccer World Cup
www.m-m-sports.com
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THE World Cup 2018 Book
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Shane Stay
Everything you need to know about
The contents of this book were carefully researched. However, all the soccer World Cup
information is supplied without liability. Neither the author nor
the publisher will be liable for possible disadvantages or damages
resulting from this book.
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Shane Stay
THE World Cup
2018
Book
Everything you need to know about
the soccer World Cup
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British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library
THE World Cup 2018 Book
Maidenhead: Meyer & Meyer Sport (UK) Ltd., 2018
ISBN: 978-1-78255-812-5
All rights reserved, especially the right to copy and distribute, including translation rights.
No part of this work may be produced–including by photocopy, microfilm or any other me-
ans–processed, stored electronically, copied or distributed in any form whatsoever without
the written permission of the publisher.
© 2018 by Meyer & Meyer Sport (UK) Ltd.
Aachen, Auckland, Berit, Cairo, Cape Town, Dubai, Hägendorf, Hong Kong, Indianapolis,
Manila, New Delhi, Singapore, Sydney, Tehran, Vienna
Credits
Design & Layout
Cover and Interior Design: Annika Naas
Layout: Amnet
Cover and Interior Photos: © picturealliance.com
Editorial
Managing Editor: Elizabeth Evans
Member of the World Sports Publishers’ Association (WSPA), www.w-s-p-a.org
ISBN: 978-1-78255-812-5
Email: [email protected]
www.m-m-sports.com
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Contents
CONTENTS
Introduction ...............................................................................................10
Chapter 1 T he 32 Teams of 2018 World Cup
Russia .....................................................................................16
List of Teams ........................................................................18
2018 World Cup Final Draw.................................................19
Europe
Germany ...............................................................................21
Spain .....................................................................................32
England .................................................................................41
France ...................................................................................53
Russia ...................................................................................60
Belgium ................................................................................66
Croatia ..................................................................................71
Denmark ...............................................................................75
Iceland ..................................................................................80
Poland ...................................................................................85
Portugal .................................................................................90
Serbia ....................................................................................94
Sweden .................................................................................97
Switzerland .........................................................................102
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THE World Cup 2018 Book
South America
Brazil ..................................................................................108
Argentina ............................................................................118
Uruguay ..............................................................................130
Peru .....................................................................................136
Colombia ............................................................................141
North America
Costa Rica ...........................................................................146
Mexico ................................................................................151
Panama ...............................................................................157
Africa
Egypt ...................................................................................162
Morocco ..............................................................................166
Nigeria ................................................................................170
Senegal ...............................................................................175
Tunisia ................................................................................179
Asia
Australia .............................................................................184
Iran ......................................................................................190
Japan ...................................................................................195
Saudi Arabia .......................................................................201
South Korea ........................................................................206
Chapter 2 World Cup History ......................................................214
A Brief Overview of Each World Cup From 1930
to Today ..............................................................................216
The Interesting Role of Corner Kicks
in the World Cup .................................................................229
Top Flopping Teams ...........................................................232
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Contents
Chapter 3 F IFA: The Organizing Body of
World Cups ....................................................................236
Some Background Information on FIFA ............................238
FIFA Headquarters ..............................................................238
FIFA Membership ...............................................................239
Rankings and Awards .........................................................240
Laws of the Game ...............................................................240
Trouble in Paradise: FIFA Makes Worldwide News ..........241
A Look Ahead to World Cup 2026 .....................................245
2026 World Cup Bids .........................................................246
World Cup Qualifications Explained ..................................247
10 Interesting Facts About the 2018 FIFA
World Cup ...........................................................................253
Chapter 4 Background on Russia .........................................256
A Look at Russia—General Overview ...............................258
A Brief Look at Each Venue—Russian Stadiums
and Local History ...............................................................258
Closing Words ......................................................................................276
Appendix—Bonus Material .........................................................279
Germany
Attention to Detail and Possession Passing ........................279
German Soccer Moving Forward .......................................282
Spain
They Were Always Good ....................................................284
England
England’s Intriguing Dilemma ...........................................288
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THE World Cup 2018 Book
A Historical Glimpse at English Coaching .........................288
Dribbling: Where England Can Improve ............................290
Brian Clough: The Best Coach That Never Was ................291
Getting Things Back on Track ............................................294
England’s Interesting Approach Down the Line ................296
Brazil
Brazil Looking for World Cup Magic Again ......................298
Neymar Living Up to Pele ..................................................302
Comeback Teams for World Cup 2022
Italy .....................................................................................308
United States .......................................................................309
The Netherlands ..................................................................317
Chile ...................................................................................322
Author’s Note ......................................................................................328
Endnotes & Citations .....................................................................330
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