Travel book. World Cups

Football is watched by billions, played by millions, thousands compete for the chance to play at the World Cup, hundreds manage to make it to the forum of the strongest and only a few lift the World Cup above their heads.

Each World Cup is a reflection of the era and technological progress of mankind. From leather ball models to polyurethane ones with embedded chips that record every touch. From ships that took participants more than 20 days to the first World Cup, to airplanes that deliver teams to the tournament in a matter of hours.

The almost century-old history of the World Cup hides many secrets. Did Benito Mussolini really threaten his national team with death if they lost the championship? What did Brazil's team psychologist describe the legendary Pele and Garrincha? Why wasn't Maradona taken to the 1978 World Cup? What did Materazzi really say when he provoked Zidane to be sent off in the 2006 World Cup final? Why couldn't Messi, the best player in the 2014 World Cup, sleep for a year?

Over 420 of the most interesting stories from 22 World Cups in vivid illustrations. The most important things that happened on and off the football field - events, news, rumors, legends and myths of the World Cups. A team of experts has collected the "cream" of the facts. So unfold, read and savor. The World Cups are worth it.