Review: Stars of the World Cup by Illugi Jökulsson

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

World Soccer Legends
Everything you need to know about most exciting clubs and the best players on the planet.
Stars of the World Cup
Learn all about twenty-eight of the best players competing for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, from unstoppable scorers like Messi and Ronaldo to crafty playmakers like Iniesta and Modric, and ironclad defenders like Philipp Lahm and Thiago Silva.
Get the inside scoop on their strengths and weaknesses heading into the showdown in Brazil.
See incredible action shots of their on-field wizardry.

MY TAKE:
If you only have a passing knowledge of soccer and you want to prepare yourself for the upcoming World Cup, this book is a must-read.

Stars of the World Cup provides an analysis of the top players from the different countries competing in the World Cup. Some of the information included for each player are birth year, team during the World Cup and during regular seasons, and childhood backgrounds.

All the players have positive and negative points mentioned, so just reading the book can give you at least basic knowledge on the strengths and weaknesses of the players. Based on what I read, the top players are Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, which is consistent with what I know from occasionally reading international sports news.

Based on what I read from the book, it also seems to me like the teams to beat are Spain and Brazil. We'll find out if these analyses are correct once the World Cup opens.

Thanks to NetGalley and Abbeville Kids for the e-ARC. Publication date of Stars of the World Cup is on June 10, 2014.

THE GOOD:

1. We get to learn about the players' backgrounds.
2. The book lists each player's strengths and weaknesses.
3. You get a feel for which teams will do well in the World Cup. 

THE BAD:

1. As with most sports, you never know if some unknown or unrated player suddenly does well and becomes the deciding factor in his team's victory. 

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

Interestingly, even though Ronaldo has been overshadowed by Messi for the past couple years, this has not discouraged him at all but only spurred him on to greater achievements. 

READ IT IF:

1. You want to participate in World Cup conversations.
2. You want to learn more about soccer's star players.
3. You want to seem knowledgeable about current soccer superstars. 

RATING:


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