England invented it; Brazil perfected it. There is no question that the spiritual home of soccer is Brazil, five-time FIFA World Cup winners and hosts of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Brazil Futebol captures the passion and heart of the world's premier soccer-playing nation. It begins in the 1870s, when the sport was introduced; recounts the unprecedented success of the national team, and profiles the superstar players—including Pelé, Garrincha, and Ronaldinho—and managers. But the book goes beyond the storied professionals to provide a deeper commentary on the importance of the game in o país do futebol (“the country of soccer”). It's the perfect celebration of, and companion to, the upcoming World Cup.