Routledge Face to Face: Enduring Rivalries in World Soccer

Explore the deep connections between sports and society with Face to Face: Enduring Rivalries in World Soccer. Part of the Sport in the Global Society - Contemporary Perspectives series, this Routledge publication examines how soccer serves as a powerful emblem for various human affiliations. From local matches to global tournaments, soccer rivalries reflect much more than just a game. This book looks at how these long-term competitions represent diverse identities including locality, region, nation, and community. It examines the ways in which class, culture, religion, and ethnicity shape the way fans and players engage with the sport. By studying these perennial matchups, readers gain a better understanding of how soccer impacts the global stage and transcends traditional barriers of space and time. This text is an essential resource for anyone interested in the social impact of the world's most popular mass spectator sport.