Africa United: Soccer, Passion, Politics, and the First World Cup in Africa
“Bloomfield’s book presents the perfect contextual backdrop for understanding how football intersects with everyday life, politics, and national identities in this part of the world.” (Newsweek)“[T]he author relates what soccer means in nations where poverty and danger go hand-in-hand. The result is a highly charged read at least as much about politics as soccer. Highly recommended.” (Library Journal)“A journalist’s continental odyssey. … it’s a brave journey - Bloomfield should never have taken that old Russian aircraft in Sierra Leone - and carries us to countries most of us will never see. The highlight, a beautiful piece of writing, is Bloomfield’s visit to Mogadishu, the wrecked yet splendid Somali capital.” (Financial Times)“This is a fascinating account of how football lies at the very heart of African consciousness....The insights that Bloomfield has gleaned as The Independent’s Africa correspondent shine through in the perfect balance of passionate prose and informed accounts of key moments both on and off the pitch.” (Waterstones.com)[Africa United] is an excellent book and offers a fascinating introduction to thirteen national African teams.” (About.com)