"THIRTY-ONE NIL: On the Road with Football's Outsiders, A World Cup Odyssey," by James Montague, Bloomsbury, $18, 330 pages (nf)
It's time for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Four long years of qualification — from all corners of the world — have led to this week, where the final 32 teams compete in the world’s tournament.
Getting to this week is what James Montague looks to share in his latest book, “Thirty-One Nil,” which tells the tales of many soccer minnows that make their case for being a World Cup team. Montague travels to developing areas — to countries like Haiti and the African nations of Rwanda and Eritrea — and documents how these countries view their upcoming World Cup qualification games.
Montague perfectly portrays what it’s like to be from some of these countries, even as he is forced into massive political protests. Tear gas permeates the streets in many of these countries, leaving people hurt, injured and thirsting for more political outcry. Soccer teams carry the weight of the protesters and the countries on their shoulders. All of this is brought alive by Montague’s masterful writing and reporting. A detail isn’t spared. The book is raw, real and revealing.
If there’s one major theme to come out of Montague’s book, it’s that soccer is a unifier — for at least a short time.
He links politics and soccer. For instance, countries like Egypt put their political divisions on hold to watch their national teams strive for a shot at the World Cup. But when that’s wrapped up and the team doesn’t emerge with a ticket to Brazil, the political unrest comes to the forefront once again. So while soccer may bring people together — whether they’re separated because of political ideologies, borders or race — Montague points out it’s only a temporary solution, as politics always rise up.
This theme is fitting, given that this year’s World Cup has been snarled in controversy and politics. Recent news reports illustrate how people across Brazil aren’t necessarily in full support, and some religious leaders and soccer players have concerns as well. Montague’s book fits nicely in the larger narrative of how politics mix with soccer.
Getting ready for the World Cup is more than just buying your nation’s jersey, memorizing your team’s roster and watching the warm-up games. It’s about researching the world’s game to its fullest. And for anyone looking to understand soccer and its political ramifications, “Thirty-One Nil” is one fine read.
This book has mild violence, swearing and adult themes.
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