El Diego: Diego Maradona
Diego Maradona is arguably the greatest - in my opinion the greatest - footballer to have graced the game. And in Mexico 1986, he showed his unparalleled genius to the entire world. But in his book, Maradona talks about not just the euphoria of 1986 (which Argentina won) but of the heartbreak in 1990 (Argentina lost to West Germany in the finals) and of 1994 (Maradona was banned for using cocaine). In fact, he also talks about 1978 and 1982 World Cup - his disappointment of being left out as an 18-year-old and making the world take note of his talent in 1982.
But 1986 still makes for one of the most interesting and passionate pieces of football writing. He talks about how the game against England - where he scored two goals as well as the famous and arguably the best goal, "Hand of God", scored in World Cup history. With the Falklands War still fresh in the minds of Argentines, the game was much more than football. "In the pre-match interview we had all said that football and politics shouldn't be confused, but that was a lie. We did nothing but think about that. Bollocks was it just another match!" he writes. At the time of the 1990 World Cup in Italy, Maradona used to play club football for Napoli and was treated as a demi-god. It's interesting to read how when he played in Naples against Italy, the support of the crowd was divided. The book has several other interesting World Cup anecdotes which make it a compulsory read - if the World Cup doesn't interest you, read it for being one of the most honest and passionate accounts of a genius' life.
The Story of The World Cup: Brian Glanville
This is perhaps one of the most comprehensive books on the history of World Cup. Written by Brian Glanville, one of Britain's most experienced football journalists, it captures the story of the World Cup starting from 1930. The book was actually first published in 1998 - since then Glanville releases an updated version every four years before the World Cup.
Glanville talks about how the initial years of World Cup were laced with turbulence on several issues. Or how African countries have made their presence felt in the last two decades. He tells the stories having covered various World Cups - so you will find match reports, post-match interviews and news stories. Glanville is scathing when he writes about FIFA and criticises the body's presidents for letting greed take over the greater interest of the game. He is clearly unhappy about the number of teams being added to the tournament over the years - it used to be 16 teams earlier, and was later increased to 24. Thirty-two teams now compete for the coveted golden trophy. Glanville's book is the ideal companion before the World Cup for anyone looking to read interesting facets as well as a detailed history.
And Gazza Misses the Final: Rob Smyth and Scott Murray
Don't go by the title of the book. Unlike most English people and newspapers, Paul Gascoigne missing the final (England has yet to reach the final since 1966) is perhaps the most tragic moment in World Cup history. Murray and Smyth, football journalists with The Guardian, have written this book in quite an innovative manner. It recounts minute-by-minute commentary and details of some of the most iconic matches of the World Cup. So it helps you remember and recall moments which you've probably completely forgotten.
It's not an England-centric book, and games that have had historical significance find mention as well. The format is such that not everyone will enjoy this book, but for those who look for minute details, this book is a must-read. The authors also give a personal commentary and opinion on the matches. You will be rushing to YouTube to catch the highlights of some of the matches after reading this book. Credit must go to the authors for pulling off a slightly risky format in such admirable style.
