The Game of Their Lives

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A historic sporting event that reads more like a soap opera - Rated
It is very evident that the author is not familiar with the game of Soccer. He has written a book that simply accounts lives (that are nothing short of boring) with a Soccer game thrown in on the side. This is ok for the Oprah show but not as a book recounting a great sporting upset. It would been have far more interesting if the book explained in detail the then current global state of the game , and some history of the U.S national team up until that time. How did they get entry to the World Cup? were there qualifying games? Give more analysis to the actual game. Were there any more goal chances for the U.S. did the English control the game for long periods? The book also does not give enough attention to the actual 1950 finals themselves. In short a disappointing book

It's not about soccer, it's about life. - Rated
My son plays competitive youth soccer. I purchased this book because of his interest in the sport and my interest in the past. I thought it might give us something in common to talk about. He found it "boring", but I was fascinated by the story of this team and the way they chose to live their lives. In this time of work-stoppages and lock-outs it was wonderful to read about a group that played the game for love, not endorsements. I recommend it highly!

Excellent book showing the character of these players. - Rated
I found this book to be quite interesting. The description of the lives of these men and the character of some of them is quite inspiring. The way the author weaves the lives of these men around the story of the 1950 Eorld Cup victory over England is well done.

Determination and a love for the game brought victory - Rated
I felt the book was good and it showed how guys with desire and determination can win even though the odds are against them. Also, the fact that 5 of the starting players on the team were from St Louis, Missouri, and knew each other helped bring together a winning combination. Walter Bahr and Ed McElvinney played together for the Philadelphia Nationals, as well as John Souza and Ed Souza who played together in Falls River,Massachusetts. In previous years, many of us have played against each other. The 1950 game was a most memorable experience for me as goalie for the USA team.

Wonderful story of the greatest US sports upset ever - Rated
In the 1950 World Cup, the United States fielded a team of scrappy immigrants' sons which the world refused to take seriously. Three games later, respect had been gained. The U.S. had defeated England, the land where soccer was born, in the most shocking upset in World Cup history, 1 goal to none.

Far beyond a story of a sporting journey to Brazil in 1950, The Game of Their Lives offers a glimpse into the lives of eleven elegantly simple Americans. Centering on 50's St. Louis, then the soccer capital of the U.S., these men recount life growing up as a first-generation American. This inspiring tale is a humbling read in the face of the millions pro athletes make today. There was a time when the sheer thrill of victory and the honor of playing for your country was pay enough.

Douglas recaptures an inspiration created 47 years ago and immortalizes it for all in the pages of this book. A must-read for any U.S. soccer fan.