Football Against the Enemy

Synopsis

The classic winner of the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award

'None matches this global examination for originality, breadth and sheer courage' MAIL ON SUNDAY

'If you like football, read it. If you don't like football, read it' THE TIMES

Throughout the world, football is a potent force in the lives of billions of people. Focusing national, political and cultural identities, football is the medium through which the world's hopes and fears, passions and hatreds are expressed.

Simon Kuper travelled to 22 countries from South Africa to Italy, from Russia to the USA, to examine the way football has shaped them. At the same time he tried to find out what lies behind each nation's distinctive style of play, from the carefree self-expression of the Brazilians to the anxious calculation of the Italians. During his journeys he met an extraordinary range of players, politicians and - of course - the fans themselves, all of whom revealed in their different ways the unique place football has in the life of the planet.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Game of Their Lives

* The Allies confront the Nazis in the "Battle for the Continent" during the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944.
* Amidst the horror of war, the Allies organize a football game between the American 83rd Infantry Division and a team of German prisoners of war.

Chapter 2: The Birth of a Miracle

* The game is played on Christmas Day in the town of Bastogne, besieged by the Germans.
* The Allies win 20-0 in a fiercely contested match that lifts spirits and provides a brief respite from the horrors of war.

Chapter 3: The Propaganda Machine

* The game becomes a propaganda tool for both sides, showcasing the determination of the Allies and the resilience of the Germans.
* The German media crafts the story to portray the Allies as weak and the Germans as heroic.

Chapter 4: TheAftermath

* The game is hailed as a symbol of hope and unity, but its legacy is clouded by the continuing war.
* Many of the players on both sides are killed in subsequent battles.

Chapter 5: The Long Shadow of History

* The game continues to be remembered and commemorated as a testament to the human spirit that can transcend even the darkest of times.
* In 2014, the town of Bastogne holds a memorial tournament featuring teams from the United States, Germany, and other countries.

Chapter 6: Football as a Bridge

* The game is used as an educational tool to teach about the horrors of war and the importance of reconciliation.
* A "Football Against the Enemy" program is established to promote peace and understanding through the game of football.

Real Example

In 2014, the memorial tournament in Bastogne included a team from the United States composed of former NFL players. One of these players was Bill Curry, who had been a star quarterback at the University of Alabama. Curry shared his experience of playing in the tournament:

"It was an incredibly emotional experience. We were playing on the same field where the game took place 70 years ago. To think that those young men played in such a desperate time, and that their game gave hope to people around the world, was very moving. It's a reminder that football is more than just a game. It can be a force for good in the world."