The Simplest Game is the definitive reference to soccer, the world's most popular sport. Fully revised to coincide with the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, and the continuing explosion of American interest in the game since the 1994 World Cup, The Simplest Game explores the game, its players, and its history.Paul Gardner provides an authoritative and entertaining view of soccer's colorful history and lore. Originally published in 1976, The Simplest Game was heralded as "a storehouse of valuable information" by the U.S. Soccer Federation. Now completely revised and updated to reflect the changes the game has undergone since then and published for the first time with photos of the most memorable and talented players, the book offers a wealth of facts, figures, and anecdotes that enable one to become part of the knowledgeable fraternity that speaks intelligently about the sport.The Simplest Game traces the evolution of soccer from a crude, rustic pastime into a sophisticated worldwide business. It sketches the history and achievements of soccer, highlights world competitions and important players, examines the growth of divergent national playing styles, and spells out what is needed for the United States to develop an indigenous style of play and players of international caliber.The Simplest Game is for anyone searching for an introduction to, or a better understanding of, the world's most followed sport. Read Less