How close has the United States ever come to winning a World Cup? (Hint: Closer than you might think!) What American held a world goal-scoring record for eighty-seven years, until it was broken by Lionel Messi? Where did the word soccer come from? And what the heck is the offside rule?

Those questions and many more are asked and answered in The Soccer Book of Why (and Who, What, When, Where, and How), by noted soccer journalist and historian Charles Cuttone. The Soccer Book of Why offers readers a lively and informative look at the world’s game—its history, traditions, rules, records, quirks, and personalities. Whether the topic is goal scorers or coaches, famous firsts or memorable moments, if a who, what, when, where, why, or how soccer question is on your mind, this is the book for you.