By Richard C.
GOLAZO!
As the 2014 World Cup descends on Brazil (perhaps with diverse impacts?), here’s a terrific book for soccer fans and Latin American history buffs alike. How has soccer shaped Latin America, from forerunner games in Mesoamerican cultures to the dynamic nations of today? Writing clearly and engagingly, author Andreas Campomar reveals the culture, politics, business and history of one sport and one continent’s fascinating relationship. An ebook version is available, too!
This post is deliberately clipped. There have to be so many great books on soccer and soccer culture, so how about tell us one of your favorite ones in a comment!
Shelf Talk 
I haven’t come across this one before, I am always interested in pushing the football boundaries…Inverting the Pyramid is a great exploration of the evolution of tactics stemming from the conception of the game, Wartime Wanderers is another, it tells the story of the Bolton Wanderers team which went to fight in the first world war..it’s very emotional. And finally – because I can;t monopolise all of your time – Football Against the Enemy is a classic…I will stop there but there are so many good books on the glorious game, whilst I’m at it, The Miracle of Castel di Sangro is a decent entry from your side of the pond as well.
Inverting the Pyramid is a great history of football, I agree. If you have admired the Dutch and Total Football you will enjoy Brilliant Orange which not only covers Dutch football of the last 60 years but tries to tie it to the Dutch culture in general. By the time you get near the end, the author repeats himself a lot, however. The Great Match is a great film about the travels of 3 groups of people travel in remote places to view the World Cup Final.