{"product_id":"the-simplest-game-the-intelligent-fans-guide-to-the-world-of-soccer-9780028604015","title":"The Simplest Game: The Intelligent Fan's Guide to the World of Soccer","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Simplest Game is the definitive reference to soccer  the worlds 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 soccers 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 worlds most followed sport.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67598809661493,"sku":"ByrdShop_0028604016","price":24.12,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0627\/8139\/0901\/files\/9780028604015.jpg?v=1790933641","url":"https:\/\/atxbooks.com\/products\/the-simplest-game-the-intelligent-fans-guide-to-the-world-of-soccer-9780028604015","provider":"ATX Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}