Soccernomics

October 1, 2009
Small book, big wallop! This econometric look at the world's most popular sport is worth the price and the effort it can take to plough through the numbers here to understand why some soccer clubs succeed where others fail as Parisian Kuper and Londoner Szymanski take an in-depth look at soccer and its impact on the nations where the sport is next to religion, as well as its smaller following in the United States. From an initial chapter on England's soccer misfortunes to a comparison between club soccer and the NFL, the authors use statistics to reveal truly fascinating insights into soccer, the men (mostly) who play it, and the behind-the-scenes business of socceralthough the authors conclude soccer is not big business. In fact, they call soccer "the worst business in the world." Although necessarily tied down by the numbers game, the text is fast paced and often humorous, with a strong air of sarcasm that will delight readers. VERDICT Enthusiastically recommended to all soccer fans, general and specialized, as well as those thinking of becoming one.Boyd Childress, Auburn Univ. Lib., AL

Copyright 2009 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from November 1, 2009
Call it Moneyball for soccer: journalist Kuper (Soccer against the Enemy, 2006) and economist Szymanski (Fans of the World, Unite! 2008) apply cold, hard facts to our commonly held beliefs about the beautiful game and tell us that everything we think we know is wrong. Englands national team doesnt underachieve (if anything, given its size, location, and talent pool, it overachieves); paying big money for hot players isnt a good idea (usually, the players exertions mean theyll underperform next year); and soccer clubs make terrible (though remarkably durable) businesses. Unlike Kupers more sober Soccer against the Enemy, theres a teasing playfulness, almost braggadocio, here, as the authors burst bubble after bubble using the words, We have the data to answer this question. As they acknowledge, some fans will resist subjecting long-held emotional attachments to the cold light of statistical analysis. And some may argue their findings: just as Billy Beanes Oakland As are coming off their third losing season, author-praised AC Milan is off to a terrible start. But whether analyzing the relationship of spending to winning or applying game theory to the penalty kick, the authors delight in discovery proves both persuasive and contagious. Its a fascinating book with the potential to effect genuine change in the sport.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)