Released especially to coincide with the 2002 tournament in South Korea and Japan, this titles gives an authoritative account of the history of the tournament. Starting with the story of how the World Cup came into being, Brian Glanville’s definitive text – specially commissioned for Naxos AudioBooks – traces the development of the tournament from the inaugural finals in Uruguay, 1930 to the memorable 1998 extravaganza in France.

Today the World Cup is followed by tens of millions of football fans around the globe, but its amazing history is appreciated by only a few. Many of the game’s great stars have made their name through participation on football’s centre stage – Eusebio, Pele, Maradona, Cruyff and Beckenbauer. Each tournament is put into its football and historical context and, in addition to descriptions of the main games and stars of each event, supplementary background and anecdotes are included, making it a great product for those with only a passing interest in the game as well.

This audiobook set includes bonus audio content of Sir Bobby Charlton’s reminiscences, specially recorded, making this a truly unique audiobook history.

Music: National Anthems and traditional football music