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 A video where you can actually learn, not just watch the techniques involved in soccer kicks. Get ready to start netting those long range scorchers! Read my review… |
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Soccer History – the Beautiful Game |
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I came across something that I consider a treasure for every soccer lover: a collection of DVDs that could very well act as an official history book for the game: The History of Soccer – the Beautiful Game. Let me start off by saying that this 6 DVD set is more than just a round-up of archive footage from all ages. Throughout the series, you will undoubtedly feel a commemorative approach, sort of like a celebration of the beautiful game. At the same time, The History of Soccer – the Beautiful Game is also a documentary, so the two aspects of the DVDs blend in well together and you can enjoy it as both a soccer enthusiast as well as someone that is simply interested in studying how the game evolved from a local phenomenon to a multi-billion dollar industry and a game cherished by almost half of Earth's population. The set tries to follow the history of soccer timeline, although admittedly at some points the narration skips short periods of time, only to get back to them later. The first volume, which I also found to be the most interesting presents the origins of soccer and football cultures, starting with the formation of the first soccer organization in 1863, England (called the Football Association). I did research the subject before and although I knew who invented soccer and how the whole deal started, I must say that the DVD came with some original information that I had trouble getting beforehand. Since one of the first claims in the DVD series is that it covers all the goals from World Cup finals, it was quite impressive seeing this archive footage and I urge you to watch the 1938 final between Hungary and Italy (won 4-2 by Italy) since it's one of soccer's greatest moments. Of course, since the theme is European Superpowers, this DVD covers the rise to fame of such clubs as Liverpool, Real Madrid, Barcelona or Milan. The third DVD covers South American superpowers with an obvious focus on Brazil. I have to admit, I always thought of Brazil as a soccer nation that went as favorites in the game, but the DVD shows that it wasn't always the case and that Brazil had short periods of downfall in the early days of soccer. Fourth in the series is a DVD called "For Club and Country & The Dark Side of Soccer". This will be one of the most memorable ones you'll see and it's also the most emotional. It's a sort of mix-up from a timeline point of view, but that's not the point of this episode, as it tries to cover some of soccer's greatest stories as well as some of its tragedies. Again, some incredible information covered here: did you know that a soccer match sparked a war between Honduras and El Salvador in 1969? Talk about taking the game too far. The last 2 DVDs cover several subjects, ranging from the relation between superstars and media, factors that hindered Pele's prediction that Africa will win a World Cup by the turn of the 21st century and how the game will evolve in the future. These 2 have a subtle sociological aspect and asides from the superstar coverage, with interviews from Maradona, George Best or Ronaldo, they were slightly under the first four DVDs, but maybe I'm just being picky here. All in all, getting the History of Soccer is a must if you consider yourself a soccer enthusiast in all aspects of the word. The British narration by Terence Stamp gives the English some rightful credit for inventing the game, but it also adds a bit of spicy to the entire series and I found Terence Stamp's voice quite refreshing (but that's pretty much a personal opinion, so I can't guarantee you'll feel the same). Return from Soccer History – the Beautiful Game to Soccer Fans Info
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