Behind the Curtain: Travels in Eastern European Football

Name: Behind the Curtain: Travels in Eastern European Football
Price: 15.92 USD
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Rating: 4.5 (312 reviews)

4.5 of 5 Stars: Soccer - Behind the Curtain: Travels in Eastern European Football

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Book Synopsis: From the war-ravaged streets of Sarajevo, where turning up for training involved dodging snipers' bullets, to the crumbling splendor of Budapest's Bozsik Stadium, where the likes of Puskas and Kocsis masterminded the fall of England, the landscape of Eastern Europe has changed immeasurably since the fall of communism. Jonathan Wilson has traveled extensively behind the old Iron Curtain, viewing life beyond the fall of the Berlin Wall through the lens of soccer. Where once the state-controlled teams of the Eastern bloc passed their way with crisp efficiency—a sort of communist version of total soccer—to considerable success on the European and international stages, today the beautiful game in the East has been opened up to the free market, and throughout the region a sense of chaos pervades. The threat of totalitarian interference no longer remains; but in its place mafia control is generally accompanied with a crippling lack of funds. Jonathan Wilson goes in search of the spirit of Hungary's Golden Squad of the early 1950s; charts the disintegration of the soccer superpower that was the former Yugoslavia; follows a sorry tale of corruption, mismanagement, and Armenian cognac through the Caucasuses; reopens the case of Russia's greatest soccer player, Eduard Streltsov; and talks to Jan Tomaszewski about an autumn night at Wembley in 1973.

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Embark on a thrilling journey through Eastern European football with "Behind the Curtain: Travels in Eastern European Football." This captivating book by Jonathan Wilson takes you behind the scenes of a region that has undergone immense transformation since the fall of communism. Explore the war-torn streets of Sarajevo, where dedicated players risked their lives to train amidst sniper fire. Witness the faded grandeur of Budapest's Bozsik Stadium, once home to legendary players like Puskas and Kocsis, who defied England with their strategic brilliance.

In this book, Wilson shares his firsthand experiences of the changing face of Eastern European football. The region's state-controlled teams, once known for their precise, efficient style of play, now face a new era of unpredictability. With the free market taking over, chaos reigns on and off the field. Gone are the days of totalitarian interference, but in its place, an unsettling grip of mafia control and financial droughts threatens the game we love.

Jonathan Wilson delves deep into the heart of Eastern Europe's football legacy. Discover the indomitable spirit of Hungary's Golden Squad from the early 1950s, a team that left an indelible mark on the sport. Uncover the disintegration of the former Yugoslavian soccer superpower, torn apart by corruption and mismanagement. Dive into the intriguing tale of Russia's greatest soccer player, Eduard Streltsov, and revisit the historic autumn night at Wembley in 1973 through the eyes of Jan Tomaszewski.

Delve into the rich history and tumultuous atmosphere of Eastern European football with "Behind the Curtain: Travels in Eastern European Football." Gain a unique perspective on a region where passion, politics, and untamed talent collide. Be captivated by the stories of triumph and tragedy that shaped the game in this captivating part of the world.

Ready to explore the enchanting world of Eastern European football? Get your copy of "Behind the Curtain: Travels in Eastern European Football" today and embark on an unforgettable journey.

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