Best football book i've ever read!, 03 Oct 2006
I now look out for Liechtenstein scores every game, I have my Liectensteing shirt, and my Liechtenstein pennant!

I have Harry Zech's autograph!

Great read.

But they lost every game!!!, 23 Jul 2006
A very funny book about Liechtenstein's 2002 World Cup qualifying campaign as seen through an English journalist's eyes. For some odd reason he decided to follow their home away and games on the back of a travel book on Liechtenstein bought in a second hand bookstore. His story combines the background of the country, its people and its fledgling football team.

The most strking thing is the strageness of living in a country with only 35,000 inhabitants, and how this permeats their personality. Especially the fact that it is all ran a by a bloke that lives in the big house on the top of the hill.

By the end, I was hoping the team would get a result against someone, or even just score a goal. They didn't, but that's football for you.


Superb, 10 Feb 2006
This is a wonderfully written book about the small country of Liechtenstein and their football team. Great stories, wonderful imagery, well written...it's the perfect book to read on a journey. Brilliant!

Best football book i've ever read!, 03 Oct 2006
I now look out for Liechtenstein scores every game, I have my Liectensteing shirt, and my Liechtenstein pennant!

I have Harry Zech's autograph!

Great read.

But they lost every game!!!, 23 Jul 2006
A very funny book about Liechtenstein's 2002 World Cup qualifying campaign as seen through an English journalist's eyes. For some odd reason he decided to follow their home away and games on the back of a travel book on Liechtenstein bought in a second hand bookstore. His story combines the background of the country, its people and its fledgling football team.

The most strking thing is the strageness of living in a country with only 35,000 inhabitants, and how this permeats their personality. Especially the fact that it is all ran a by a bloke that lives in the big house on the top of the hill.

By the end, I was hoping the team would get a result against someone, or even just score a goal. They didn't, but that's football for you.


Superb, 10 Feb 2006
This is a wonderfully written book about the small country of Liechtenstein and their football team. Great stories, wonderful imagery, well written...it's the perfect book to read on a journey. Brilliant!

World Cup, 24 Apr 2006
I am an art fan rather than a football fan and I really enjoyed this book - it would be a great present for anyone who really loves football. This is much more about 'the beautiful game' than mere sports photos and really captures the feeling of the World Cup.

Best football book i've ever read!, 03 Oct 2006
I now look out for Liechtenstein scores every game, I have my Liectensteing shirt, and my Liechtenstein pennant!

I have Harry Zech's autograph!

Great read.

But they lost every game!!!, 23 Jul 2006
A very funny book about Liechtenstein's 2002 World Cup qualifying campaign as seen through an English journalist's eyes. For some odd reason he decided to follow their home away and games on the back of a travel book on Liechtenstein bought in a second hand bookstore. His story combines the background of the country, its people and its fledgling football team.

The most strking thing is the strageness of living in a country with only 35,000 inhabitants, and how this permeats their personality. Especially the fact that it is all ran a by a bloke that lives in the big house on the top of the hill.

By the end, I was hoping the team would get a result against someone, or even just score a goal. They didn't, but that's football for you.


Superb, 10 Feb 2006
This is a wonderfully written book about the small country of Liechtenstein and their football team. Great stories, wonderful imagery, well written...it's the perfect book to read on a journey. Brilliant!

World Cup, 24 Apr 2006
I am an art fan rather than a football fan and I really enjoyed this book - it would be a great present for anyone who really loves football. This is much more about 'the beautiful game' than mere sports photos and really captures the feeling of the World Cup.

This is the perfect book for cricket fans, 22 Aug 2000
This book is perfect for all young cricket fans. It, like all the others in the series, combines the games with a good story line. It also throws in many stastics for those who wish to work out averages, top run scorers etc.

Best football book i've ever read!, 03 Oct 2006
I now look out for Liechtenstein scores every game, I have my Liectensteing shirt, and my Liechtenstein pennant!

I have Harry Zech's autograph!

Great read.

But they lost every game!!!, 23 Jul 2006
A very funny book about Liechtenstein's 2002 World Cup qualifying campaign as seen through an English journalist's eyes. For some odd reason he decided to follow their home away and games on the back of a travel book on Liechtenstein bought in a second hand bookstore. His story combines the background of the country, its people and its fledgling football team.

The most strking thing is the strageness of living in a country with only 35,000 inhabitants, and how this permeats their personality. Especially the fact that it is all ran a by a bloke that lives in the big house on the top of the hill.

By the end, I was hoping the team would get a result against someone, or even just score a goal. They didn't, but that's football for you.


Superb, 10 Feb 2006
This is a wonderfully written book about the small country of Liechtenstein and their football team. Great stories, wonderful imagery, well written...it's the perfect book to read on a journey. Brilliant!

World Cup, 24 Apr 2006
I am an art fan rather than a football fan and I really enjoyed this book - it would be a great present for anyone who really loves football. This is much more about 'the beautiful game' than mere sports photos and really captures the feeling of the World Cup.

This is the perfect book for cricket fans, 22 Aug 2000
This book is perfect for all young cricket fans. It, like all the others in the series, combines the games with a good story line. It also throws in many stastics for those who wish to work out averages, top run scorers etc.

World Cup 2002 - an insider's viewpoint, 09 Jan 2003
For Simon Moran, World Cups had always been a distant event. As a kid they were held in far off places like Argentina and Mexico, and even as England were being knocked out of France 1998, Moran was an English journalist living in Japan watching the game on a TV screen in Osaka.
The chance to cover a World Cup on his own, adopted, doorstep was therefore not one to be missed and his World Cup diary, We Are Nippon, provides more than the usual 'I was there when we beat the Argies'-type account.

There is plenty of that of course, but where We Are Nippon differs from the average fan's-eye account is in the fact that the World Cup is not seen in isolation as an opportunity to have a few beers in an exotic location. Moran is able to gauge the feeling of the locals as the World Cup approaches, the apprehension of the 'foreign invasion' and the Japanese people's reaction to playing host to the outside world.
Travelling 6,400 miles across the country and taking in 14 games, including a good few from the safety of a bar seat, Moran also chooses to view the game through the eyes of an assortment of colleagues, friends and acquaintances, including Koreans and Germans which also lends the book a more worldly view than some others. The Korean view is particularly interesting as he explains why Korea was spelt with a 'C'. as this would put it ahead of Japan in the Roman alphabet.
As an Japanese-speaking Englishman, Moran is well-placed to comment on the phenomenal support for England from the home nation, and notes snippets of information like the fact that the hotel England stayed at in Awaji Island was inundated with requests from girls wanting to sleep in David Beckham's bed. In fact, England proved so popular that the hotel still has a £25 surcharge on any room used by the England team.
Where Moran's book excels is in the fact he speaks the language and understands the culture. There's no 'weird' local customs, or wide-eyed foreigner abroad here, and the book is all the more readable for it.
As the memories of World Cup 2002 fade into the distance, a rash of books have hit the shelves, We Are Nippon achieves the rare distinction of getting a good balance between the foreign visitor and hosts viewpoint, and for that reason is well worth the read.

The World Cup - as seen from Japan, 13 Dec 2002
We Are Nippon is a humorous and informative account not so much of the 2002 World Cup, but of the author's observations of it as an British, nay English, man who has lived in Japan for several years. Probably wisely, the author sticks to what for him is home turf by placing most of his attention on the England and Japan teams and their progress through the tournament.

Moran would appear to have broken out of whatever expat enclave exists where he is in Japan and has sufficiently embraced the local culture and language to be able to relay the opinions and reactions of an interesting cross-section of ordinary fans in Japan, not just the English-speaking minority that crosses his path. One of these is a Korean fellow born and raised in Japan but not afforded Japanese citizenship, giving him an immediate dilemma as to who to support. Moran himself also experiences mixed emotions, for while he is obviously a keen follower of English club football and is delighted to see England beat Argentina, he is clearly dismayed by the overall (in)ability of the team and the lack of sophistication shown by all-too-many of its followers. With the incredible support shown by the Japanese towards the England team, it would have been easy for an English writer to be swept along on the tide of England-mania and produce a glowing account of how wonderful we are and how we showed them all a good time. Instead, Moran delivers several frank, distanced opinions, some of which come from his football-savvy Japanese acquaintances. While such comments may cut too close to the bone for some English readers, I must confess to feeling the same way myself.

Throughout his account, Moran touches on the ticketing debacle, the mysterious innerworkings of FIFA, the paranoia of the Japanese authorities towards hooliganism, the growing commercialization of the tournament, and various aspects of life in Japan, the latter being made with an understated knowledge of the country and without the formularized references to geisha and kamikaze pilots that plague books on Japan. Throwaway trivia like the price of a cup of coffee in certain establishments is also refreshingly absent. While the competition was co-hosted, the lion's share of the interesting action took place in Japan, which has given the author plenty of material to work with. Games that took place in Korea, and in particular those involving Japan's biggest rival, are framed in terms of the opinions expressed by Japanese fans. Unsurprisingly given the tense relationship that has existed between the countries from long before they were chosen as cohosts, some of these comments are far from favourable.

In summary, Moran gives an informed account of the part of the World Cup that was in Japan, which while in diary format, does not overly rely on the first-person perspective. The action itself is described with the enthusiasm of a genuine fan overjoyed at being able to see the games, but forms only part of the text as a whole. The book raises many non-football issues, such as what do patriotism and nationality mean in our modern, internationalized world, but does not preach or suggest the right answer. Though the author sounds like he was constantly on the move, only the games involving the England and Japanese teams and the big games in the latter stages are covered. Some teams, such as Cameroon whose delayed arrival was headline news in Japan for several days, are given little or no mention, and readers wishing to read about other teams would be better off elsewhere. By being in Japan, the author missed out on what I think was the biggest story of the 2002 World Cup, the passion shown en masse in Korea, though he covers the Japan side of the tournament in a manner that is informative and eminently readable. If thereýfs a similar book on the World Cup in Korea, I'd like to read it.

The World Cup - as seen from Japan, 10 Dec 2002
We Are Nippon is a humorous and informative account not so much of the 2002 World Cup, but of the author's observations of it as an British, nay English, man who has lived in Japan for several years. Probably wisely, the author sticks to what for him is home turf by placing most of his attention on the England and Japan teams and their progress through the tournament.

Moran would appear to have broken out of whatever expat enclave exists where he is in Japan and has sufficiently embraced the local culture and language to be able to relay the opinions and reactions of an interesting cross-section of ordinary fans in Japan, not just the English-speaking minority that crosses his path. One of these is a Korean fellow born and raised in Japan but not afforded Japanese citizenship, giving him an immediate dilemma as to who to support. Moran himself also experiences mixed emotions, for while he is obviously a keen follower of English club football and is delighted to see England beat Argentina, he is clearly dismayed by the overall (in)ability of the national team and the lack of sophistication shown by all-too-many of its followers. With the incredible support shown by the Japanese towards the England team, it would have been easy for an English writer to be swept along on the tide of England-mania and produce a glowing account of how wonderful we are and how we showed them all a great time. Instead, Moran delivers a frank, distanced opinion, adding several critical comments from his football-savvy Japanese acquaintances. While this may cut too close to the bone for some English readers, I must confess to feeling the same way myself.

Throughout his account, Moran touches on the ticketing debacle, the mysterious innerworkings of FIFA, the paranoia of the Japanese authorities towards hooliganism, the growing commercialization of the tournament, and various aspects of life in Japan, the latter being made with an understated knowledge of the country and without the formularized references to geisha and kamikaze pilots that plague books on Japan. Throwaway trivia like the price of a cup of coffee in certain establishments is also refreshingly absent. While the competition was co-hosted, the lion's share of the interesting action took place in Japan, which has given the author plenty of material to work with. Games that took place in Korea, and in particular those involving Japan's biggest rival, are framed in terms of the opinions expressed by Japanese fans. Unsurprisingly given the tense relationship that has existed between the countries from long before they were chosen as cohosts, some of these comments are far from favourable.

In summary, Moran gives an informed account of the part of the World Cup that was in Japan. While in diary format, the book does not overly rely on the first-person perspective. The action itself is described with the enthusiasm of a genuine fan overjoyed at being able to see the games, but forms only part of the narrative. The book raises many non-football issues, such as what do patriotism and nationality mean in our modern, internationalized world, but does not preach or try to suggest the right answer. Though the author sounds like he was constantly on the move, only the games involving the England and Japan teams and the latter stages are covered. Some teams, such as Cameroon whose delayed arrival was headline news in Japan for several days, are given little or no mention, and readers wishing to read about other teams would be better off elsewhere. By being in Japan, the author missed out on what I think was the biggest story of the 2002 World Cup, the passion shown en masse in Korea, though he covers the Japan side of the tournament in a manner that is amusing and eminently readable. If there's a similar book on the World Cup in Korea, I'd like to read it.

Top stuff!, 02 Dec 2002
I was at the World Cup in Japan, and meant to keep a diary. Having read this, I'm glad I didn't bother. Moran whirls through the tournament recounting the mad fun of it all, though as he speaks Japanese and knows the country, he adds plenty that I was unable to see. This is a great read and a must for all football fans. I also learnt a lot more about Japan and this book should interest people who want an impression of Japan in 2002. Top stuff.

An excellent illustration of Japan and World Cup 2002, 01 Dec 2002
I have always wanted to go to Japan, and I have always wanted to go to the World Cup. So far, I've managed neither. Now that I have read We are Nippon, though, I feel I have done both.
This book really brings to life the games and the country I could only see on television. It tells as much about the Japanese as it does the tournament, and Moran's conversations with the people of the country he describes in fascinating detail are a real highlight. We learn about Japan in 2002 through the observations of football fans, sashimi chefs, hostesses, wannabe hooligans and ethnic Koreans - all sharpened with Moran's sardonic wit. I was a bit sceptical when I saw the book describe itself as 'the perfect souvenir...or illustration', but that's exactly what it is!

Best football book i've ever read!, 03 Oct 2006
I now look out for Liechtenstein scores every game, I have my Liectensteing shirt, and my Liechtenstein pennant!

I have Harry Zech's autograph!

Great read.

But they lost every game!!!, 23 Jul 2006
A very funny book about Liechtenstein's 2002 World Cup qualifying campaign as seen through an English journalist's eyes. For some odd reason he decided to follow their home away and games on the back of a travel book on Liechtenstein bought in a second hand bookstore. His story combines the background of the country, its people and its fledgling football team.

The most strking thing is the strageness of living in a country with only 35,000 inhabitants, and how this permeats their personality. Especially the fact that it is all ran a by a bloke that lives in the big house on the top of the hill.

By the end, I was hoping the team would get a result against someone, or even just score a goal. They didn't, but that's football for you.


Superb, 10 Feb 2006
This is a wonderfully written book about the small country of Liechtenstein and their football team. Great stories, wonderful imagery, well written...it's the perfect book to read on a journey. Brilliant!

World Cup, 24 Apr 2006
I am an art fan rather than a football fan and I really enjoyed this book - it would be a great present for anyone who really loves football. This is much more about 'the beautiful game' than mere sports photos and really captures the feeling of the World Cup.

This is the perfect book for cricket fans, 22 Aug 2000
This book is perfect for all young cricket fans. It, like all the others in the series, combines the games with a good story line. It also throws in many stastics for those who wish to work out averages, top run scorers etc.

World Cup 2002 - an insider's viewpoint, 09 Jan 2003
For Simon Moran, World Cups had always been a distant event. As a kid they were held in far off places like Argentina and Mexico, and even as England were being knocked out of France 1998, Moran was an English journalist living in Japan watching the game on a TV screen in Osaka.
The chance to cover a World Cup on his own, adopted, doorstep was therefore not one to be missed and his World Cup diary, We Are Nippon, provides more than the usual 'I was there when we beat the Argies'-type account.

There is plenty of that of course, but where We Are Nippon differs from the average fan's-eye account is in the fact that the World Cup is not seen in isolation as an opportunity to have a few beers in an exotic location. Moran is able to gauge the feeling of the locals as the World Cup approaches, the apprehension of the 'foreign invasion' and the Japanese people's reaction to playing host to the outside world.
Travelling 6,400 miles across the country and taking in 14 games, including a good few from the safety of a bar seat, Moran also chooses to view the game through the eyes of an assortment of colleagues, friends and acquaintances, including Koreans and Germans which also lends the book a more worldly view than some others. The Korean view is particularly interesting as he explains why Korea was spelt with a 'C'. as this would put it ahead of Japan in the Roman alphabet.
As an Japanese-speaking Englishman, Moran is well-placed to comment on the phenomenal support for England from the home nation, and notes snippets of information like the fact that the hotel England stayed at in Awaji Island was inundated with requests from girls wanting to sleep in David Beckham's bed. In fact, England proved so popular that the hotel still has a £25 surcharge on any room used by the England team.
Where Moran's book excels is in the fact he speaks the language and understands the culture. There's no 'weird' local customs, or wide-eyed foreigner abroad here, and the book is all the more readable for it.
As the memories of World Cup 2002 fade into the distance, a rash of books have hit the shelves, We Are Nippon achieves the rare distinction of getting a good balance between the foreign visitor and hosts viewpoint, and for that reason is well worth the read.

The World Cup - as seen from Japan, 13 Dec 2002
We Are Nippon is a humorous and informative account not so much of the 2002 World Cup, but of the author's observations of it as an British, nay English, man who has lived in Japan for several years. Probably wisely, the author sticks to what for him is home turf by placing most of his attention on the England and Japan teams and their progress through the tournament.

Moran would appear to have broken out of whatever expat enclave exists where he is in Japan and has sufficiently embraced the local culture and language to be able to relay the opinions and reactions of an interesting cross-section of ordinary fans in Japan, not just the English-speaking minority that crosses his path. One of these is a Korean fellow born and raised in Japan but not afforded Japanese citizenship, giving him an immediate dilemma as to who to support. Moran himself also experiences mixed emotions, for while he is obviously a keen follower of English club football and is delighted to see England beat Argentina, he is clearly dismayed by the overall (in)ability of the team and the lack of sophistication shown by all-too-many of its followers. With the incredible support shown by the Japanese towards the England team, it would have been easy for an English writer to be swept along on the tide of England-mania and produce a glowing account of how wonderful we are and how we showed them all a good time. Instead, Moran delivers several frank, distanced opinions, some of which come from his football-savvy Japanese acquaintances. While such comments may cut too close to the bone for some English readers, I must confess to feeling the same way myself.

Throughout his account, Moran touches on the ticketing debacle, the mysterious innerworkings of FIFA, the paranoia of the Japanese authorities towards hooliganism, the growing commercialization of the tournament, and various aspects of life in Japan, the latter being made with an understated knowledge of the country and without the formularized references to geisha and kamikaze pilots that plague books on Japan. Throwaway trivia like the price of a cup of coffee in certain establishments is also refreshingly absent. While the competition was co-hosted, the lion's share of the interesting action took place in Japan, which has given the author plenty of material to work with. Games that took place in Korea, and in particular those involving Japan's biggest rival, are framed in terms of the opinions expressed by Japanese fans. Unsurprisingly given the tense relationship that has existed between the countries from long before they were chosen as cohosts, some of these comments are far from favourable.

In summary, Moran gives an informed account of the part of the World Cup that was in Japan, which while in diary format, does not overly rely on the first-person perspective. The action itself is described with the enthusiasm of a genuine fan overjoyed at being able to see the games, but forms only part of the text as a whole. The book raises many non-football issues, such as what do patriotism and nationality mean in our modern, internationalized world, but does not preach or suggest the right answer. Though the author sounds like he was constantly on the move, only the games involving the England and Japanese teams and the big games in the latter stages are covered. Some teams, such as Cameroon whose delayed arrival was headline news in Japan for several days, are given little or no mention, and readers wishing to read about other teams would be better off elsewhere. By being in Japan, the author missed out on what I think was the biggest story of the 2002 World Cup, the passion shown en masse in Korea, though he covers the Japan side of the tournament in a manner that is informative and eminently readable. If thereýfs a similar book on the World Cup in Korea, I'd like to read it.

The World Cup - as seen from Japan, 10 Dec 2002
We Are Nippon is a humorous and informative account not so much of the 2002 World Cup, but of the author's observations of it as an British, nay English, man who has lived in Japan for several years. Probably wisely, the author sticks to what for him is home turf by placing most of his attention on the England and Japan teams and their progress through the tournament.

Moran would appear to have broken out of whatever expat enclave exists where he is in Japan and has sufficiently embraced the local culture and language to be able to relay the opinions and reactions of an interesting cross-section of ordinary fans in Japan, not just the English-speaking minority that crosses his path. One of these is a Korean fellow born and raised in Japan but not afforded Japanese citizenship, giving him an immediate dilemma as to who to support. Moran himself also experiences mixed emotions, for while he is obviously a keen follower of English club football and is delighted to see England beat Argentina, he is clearly dismayed by the overall (in)ability of the national team and the lack of sophistication shown by all-too-many of its followers. With the incredible support shown by the Japanese towards the England team, it would have been easy for an English writer to be swept along on the tide of England-mania and produce a glowing account of how wonderful we are and how we showed them all a great time. Instead, Moran delivers a frank, distanced opinion, adding several critical comments from his football-savvy Japanese acquaintances. While this may cut too close to the bone for some English readers, I must confess to feeling the same way myself.

Throughout his account, Moran touches on the ticketing debacle, the mysterious innerworkings of FIFA, the paranoia of the Japanese authorities towards hooliganism, the growing commercialization of the tournament, and various aspects of life in Japan, the latter being made with an understated knowledge of the country and without the formularized references to geisha and kamikaze pilots that plague books on Japan. Throwaway trivia like the price of a cup of coffee in certain establishments is also refreshingly absent. While the competition was co-hosted, the lion's share of the interesting action took place in Japan, which has given the author plenty of material to work with. Games that took place in Korea, and in particular those involving Japan's biggest rival, are framed in terms of the opinions expressed by Japanese fans. Unsurprisingly given the tense relationship that has existed between the countries from long before they were chosen as cohosts, some of these comments are far from favourable.

In summary, Moran gives an informed account of the part of the World Cup that was in Japan. While in diary format, the book does not overly rely on the first-person perspective. The action itself is described with the enthusiasm of a genuine fan overjoyed at being able to see the games, but forms only part of the narrative. The book raises many non-football issues, such as what do patriotism and nationality mean in our modern, internationalized world, but does not preach or try to suggest the right answer. Though the author sounds like he was constantly on the move, only the games involving the England and Japan teams and the latter stages are covered. Some teams, such as Cameroon whose delayed arrival was headline news in Japan for several days, are given little or no mention, and readers wishing to read about other teams would be better off elsewhere. By being in Japan, the author missed out on what I think was the biggest story of the 2002 World Cup, the passion shown en masse in Korea, though he covers the Japan side of the tournament in a manner that is amusing and eminently readable. If there's a similar book on the World Cup in Korea, I'd like to read it.

Top stuff!, 02 Dec 2002
I was at the World Cup in Japan, and meant to keep a diary. Having read this, I'm glad I didn't bother. Moran whirls through the tournament recounting the mad fun of it all, though as he speaks Japanese and knows the country, he adds plenty that I was unable to see. This is a great read and a must for all football fans. I also learnt a lot more about Japan and this book should interest people who want an impression of Japan in 2002. Top stuff.

An excellent illustration of Japan and World Cup 2002, 01 Dec 2002
I have always wanted to go to Japan, and I have always wanted to go to the World Cup. So far, I've managed neither. Now that I have read We are Nippon, though, I feel I have done both.
This book really brings to life the games and the country I could only see on television. It tells as much about the Japanese as it does the tournament, and Moran's conversations with the people of the country he describes in fascinating detail are a real highlight. We learn about Japan in 2002 through the observations of football fans, sashimi chefs, hostesses, wannabe hooligans and ethnic Koreans - all sharpened with Moran's sardonic wit. I was a bit sceptical when I saw the book describe itself as 'the perfect souvenir...or illustration', but that's exactly what it is!

Wonderful, insightful fun, 18 Nov 2008
As a sportswriter, this is an invaluable book; it is simply the most informative, comprehensive and accurate reference book there is on the history of the World Cup. Many of the basic errors which remain on FIFA's official match reports are corrected and the length to which Freddi goes to source accurate information, especially on the pre-66 World Cups, puts the rest of us to shame. It has full names, with appropriate diacritics, for all players and accurate goal times and attendance figures. But it is so much more than that.

Freddi is a real writer, not just a sports anorak. Every match from 1930 to 2002 is reported on in an engaging, informative way which does more than simply recycle footballing clichés and received wisdom. They are written with a wry wit, the book is peppered with innumerable delicious asides which rival Bill Bryson and Dara O'Briain for observational humour such as, "Recoba, known as 'El Chino' for the Oriental features he simply didn't have..." and the ingenious "...the bushy haired (Paul) Breitner, a Marxist with Harpo tendencies...". They make it worth ignoring the book's value as a reference and simply reading from cover to cover.

The ultimate World Cup reference book, 17 May 2006
When the first edition of this book was released in 2002, I was hugely impressed with the sheer scope of this book. Fortunately, Cris Freddi has kept up his high standards with a thorough update of this reference book. This book fully lives up to its title as 'Complete book of the World Cup' as it contains every record, every team, referee, match, match report one can think of for the World Cup.

Although many World Cup reference book has much of this material, what sets this book apart from the rest are the fascinating match reports written for every single match played in the World Cup finals. The match reports are witty and offer interesting and individual analysis of the key action.Quite clearly, the book has been exhaustively researched and the material is accessible and clearly presented.

If you were to buy just one book on the World Cup, I would have no hesitation in recommending this book for you to buy. A fantastic read.

Best football book i've ever read!, 03 Oct 2006
I now look out for Liechtenstein scores every game, I have my Liectensteing shirt, and my Liechtenstein pennant!

I have Harry Zech's autograph!

Great read.

But they lost every game!!!, 23 Jul 2006
A very funny book about Liechtenstein's 2002 World Cup qualifying campaign as seen through an English journalist's eyes. For some odd reason he decided to follow their home away and games on the back of a travel book on Liechtenstein bought in a second hand bookstore. His story combines the background of the country, its people and its fledgling football team.

The most strking thing is the strageness of living in a country with only 35,000 inhabitants, and how this permeats their personality. Especially the fact that it is all ran a by a bloke that lives in the big house on the top of the hill.

By the end, I was hoping the team would get a result against someone, or even just score a goal. They didn't, but that's football for you.


Superb, 10 Feb 2006
This is a wonderfully written book about the small country of Liechtenstein and their football team. Great stories, wonderful imagery, well written...it's the perfect book to read on a journey. Brilliant!

World Cup, 24 Apr 2006
I am an art fan rather than a football fan and I really enjoyed this book - it would be a great present for anyone who really loves football. This is much more about 'the beautiful game' than mere sports photos and really captures the feeling of the World Cup.

This is the perfect book for cricket fans, 22 Aug 2000
This book is perfect for all young cricket fans. It, like all the others in the series, combines the games with a good story line. It also throws in many stastics for those who wish to work out averages, top run scorers etc.

World Cup 2002 - an insider's viewpoint, 09 Jan 2003
For Simon Moran, World Cups had always been a distant event. As a kid they were held in far off places like Argentina and Mexico, and even as England were being knocked out of France 1998, Moran was an English journalist living in Japan watching the game on a TV screen in Osaka.
The chance to cover a World Cup on his own, adopted, doorstep was therefore not one to be missed and his World Cup diary, We Are Nippon, provides more than the usual 'I was there when we beat the Argies'-type account.

There is plenty of that of course, but where We Are Nippon differs from the average fan's-eye account is in the fact that the World Cup is not seen in isolation as an opportunity to have a few beers in an exotic location. Moran is able to gauge the feeling of the locals as the World Cup approaches, the apprehension of the 'foreign invasion' and the Japanese people's reaction to playing host to the outside world.
Travelling 6,400 miles across the country and taking in 14 games, including a good few from the safety of a bar seat, Moran also chooses to view the game through the eyes of an assortment of colleagues, friends and acquaintances, including Koreans and Germans which also lends the book a more worldly view than some others. The Korean view is particularly interesting as he explains why Korea was spelt with a 'C'. as this would put it ahead of Japan in the Roman alphabet.
As an Japanese-speaking Englishman, Moran is well-placed to comment on the phenomenal support for England from the home nation, and notes snippets of information like the fact that the hotel England stayed at in Awaji Island was inundated with requests from girls wanting to sleep in David Beckham's bed. In fact, England proved so popular that the hotel still has a £25 surcharge on any room used by the England team.
Where Moran's book excels is in the fact he speaks the language and understands the culture. There's no 'weird' local customs, or wide-eyed foreigner abroad here, and the book is all the more readable for it.
As the memories of World Cup 2002 fade into the distance, a rash of books have hit the shelves, We Are Nippon achieves the rare distinction of getting a good balance between the foreign visitor and hosts viewpoint, and for that reason is well worth the read.

The World Cup - as seen from Japan, 13 Dec 2002
We Are Nippon is a humorous and informative account not so much of the 2002 World Cup, but of the author's observations of it as an British, nay English, man who has lived in Japan for several years. Probably wisely, the author sticks to what for him is home turf by placing most of his attention on the England and Japan teams and their progress through the tournament.

Moran would appear to have broken out of whatever expat enclave exists where he is in Japan and has sufficiently embraced the local culture and language to be able to relay the opinions and reactions of an interesting cross-section of ordinary fans in Japan, not just the English-speaking minority that crosses his path. One of these is a Korean fellow born and raised in Japan but not afforded Japanese citizenship, giving him an immediate dilemma as to who to support. Moran himself also experiences mixed emotions, for while he is obviously a keen follower of English club football and is delighted to see England beat Argentina, he is clearly dismayed by the overall (in)ability of the team and the lack of sophistication shown by all-too-many of its followers. With the incredible support shown by the Japanese towards the England team, it would have been easy for an English writer to be swept along on the tide of England-mania and produce a glowing account of how wonderful we are and how we showed them all a good time. Instead, Moran delivers several frank, distanced opinions, some of which come from his football-savvy Japanese acquaintances. While such comments may cut too close to the bone for some English readers, I must confess to feeling the same way myself.

Throughout his account, Moran touches on the ticketing debacle, the mysterious innerworkings of FIFA, the paranoia of the Japanese authorities towards hooliganism, the growing commercialization of the tournament, and various aspects of life in Japan, the latter being made with an understated knowledge of the country and without the formularized references to geisha and kamikaze pilots that plague books on Japan. Throwaway trivia like the price of a cup of coffee in certain establishments is also refreshingly absent. While the competition was co-hosted, the lion's share of the interesting action took place in Japan, which has given the author plenty of material to work with. Games that took place in Korea, and in particular those involving Japan's biggest rival, are framed in terms of the opinions expressed by Japanese fans. Unsurprisingly given the tense relationship that has existed between the countries from long before they were chosen as cohosts, some of these comments are far from favourable.

In summary, Moran gives an informed account of the part of the World Cup that was in Japan, which while in diary format, does not overly rely on the first-person perspective. The action itself is described with the enthusiasm of a genuine fan overjoyed at being able to see the games, but forms only part of the text as a whole. The book raises many non-football issues, such as what do patriotism and nationality mean in our modern, internationalized world, but does not preach or suggest the right answer. Though the author sounds like he was constantly on the move, only the games involving the England and Japanese teams and the big games in the latter stages are covered. Some teams, such as Cameroon whose delayed arrival was headline news in Japan for several days, are given little or no mention, and readers wishing to read about other teams would be better off elsewhere. By being in Japan, the author missed out on what I think was the biggest story of the 2002 World Cup, the passion shown en masse in Korea, though he covers the Japan side of the tournament in a manner that is informative and eminently readable. If thereýfs a similar book on the World Cup in Korea, I'd like to read it.

The World Cup - as seen from Japan, 10 Dec 2002
We Are Nippon is a humorous and informative account not so much of the 2002 World Cup, but of the author's observations of it as an British, nay English, man who has lived in Japan for several years. Probably wisely, the author sticks to what for him is home turf by placing most of his attention on the England and Japan teams and their progress through the tournament.

Moran would appear to have broken out of whatever expat enclave exists where he is in Japan and has sufficiently embraced the local culture and language to be able to relay the opinions and reactions of an interesting cross-section of ordinary fans in Japan, not just the English-speaking minority that crosses his path. One of these is a Korean fellow born and raised in Japan but not afforded Japanese citizenship, giving him an immediate dilemma as to who to support. Moran himself also experiences mixed emotions, for while he is obviously a keen follower of English club football and is delighted to see England beat Argentina, he is clearly dismayed by the overall (in)ability of the national team and the lack of sophistication shown by all-too-many of its followers. With the incredible support shown by the Japanese towards the England team, it would have been easy for an English writer to be swept along on the tide of England-mania and produce a glowing account of how wonderful we are and how we showed them all a great time. Instead, Moran delivers a frank, distanced opinion, adding several critical comments from his football-savvy Japanese acquaintances. While this may cut too close to the bone for some English readers, I must confess to feeling the same way myself.

Throughout his account, Moran touches on the ticketing debacle, the mysterious innerworkings of FIFA, the paranoia of the Japanese authorities towards hooliganism, the growing commercialization of the tournament, and various aspects of life in Japan, the latter being made with an understated knowledge of the country and without the formularized references to geisha and kamikaze pilots that plague books on Japan. Throwaway trivia like the price of a cup of coffee in certain establishments is also refreshingly absent. While the competition was co-hosted, the lion's share of the interesting action took place in Japan, which has given the author plenty of material to work with. Games that took place in Korea, and in particular those involving Japan's biggest rival, are framed in terms of the opinions expressed by Japanese fans. Unsurprisingly given the tense relationship that has existed between the countries from long before they were chosen as cohosts, some of these comments are far from favourable.

In summary, Moran gives an informed account of the part of the World Cup that was in Japan. While in diary format, the book does not overly rely on the first-person perspective. The action itself is described with the enthusiasm of a genuine fan overjoyed at being able to see the games, but forms only part of the narrative. The book raises many non-football issues, such as what do patriotism and nationality mean in our modern, internationalized world, but does not preach or try to suggest the right answer. Though the author sounds like he was constantly on the move, only the games involving the England and Japan teams and the latter stages are covered. Some teams, such as Cameroon whose delayed arrival was headline news in Japan for several days, are given little or no mention, and readers wishing to read about other teams would be better off elsewhere. By being in Japan, the author missed out on what I think was the biggest story of the 2002 World Cup, the passion shown en masse in Korea, though he covers the Japan side of the tournament in a manner that is amusing and eminently readable. If there's a similar book on the World Cup in Korea, I'd like to read it.

Top stuff!, 02 Dec 2002
I was at the World Cup in Japan, and meant to keep a diary. Having read this, I'm glad I didn't bother. Moran whirls through the tournament recounting the mad fun of it all, though as he speaks Japanese and knows the country, he adds plenty that I was unable to see. This is a great read and a must for all football fans. I also learnt a lot more about Japan and this book should interest people who want an impression of Japan in 2002. Top stuff.

An excellent illustration of Japan and World Cup 2002, 01 Dec 2002
I have always wanted to go to Japan, and I have always wanted to go to the World Cup. So far, I've managed neither. Now that I have read We are Nippon, though, I feel I have done both.
This book really brings to life the games and the country I could only see on television. It tells as much about the Japanese as it does the tournament, and Moran's conversations with the people of the country he describes in fascinating detail are a real highlight. We learn about Japan in 2002 through the observations of football fans, sashimi chefs, hostesses, wannabe hooligans and ethnic Koreans - all sharpened with Moran's sardonic wit. I was a bit sceptical when I saw the book describe itself as 'the perfect souvenir...or illustration', but that's exactly what it is!

Wonderful, insightful fun, 18 Nov 2008
As a sportswriter, this is an invaluable book; it is simply the most informative, comprehensive and accurate reference book there is on the history of the World Cup. Many of the basic errors which remain on FIFA's official match reports are corrected and the length to which Freddi goes to source accurate information, especially on the pre-66 World Cups, puts the rest of us to shame. It has full names, with appropriate diacritics, for all players and accurate goal times and attendance figures. But it is so much more than that.

Freddi is a real writer, not just a sports anorak. Every match from 1930 to 2002 is reported on in an engaging, informative way which does more than simply recycle footballing clichés and received wisdom. They are written with a wry wit, the book is peppered with innumerable delicious asides which rival Bill Bryson and Dara O'Briain for observational humour such as, "Recoba, known as 'El Chino' for the Oriental features he simply didn't have..." and the ingenious "...the bushy haired (Paul) Breitner, a Marxist with Harpo tendencies...". They make it worth ignoring the book's value as a reference and simply reading from cover to cover.

The ultimate World Cup reference book, 17 May 2006
When the first edition of this book was released in 2002, I was hugely impressed with the sheer scope of this book. Fortunately, Cris Freddi has kept up his high standards with a thorough update of this reference book. This book fully lives up to its title as 'Complete book of the World Cup' as it contains every record, every team, referee, match, match report one can think of for the World Cup.

Although many World Cup reference book has much of this material, what sets this book apart from the rest are the fascinating match reports written for every single match played in the World Cup finals. The match reports are witty and offer interesting and individual analysis of the key action.Quite clearly, the book has been exhaustively researched and the material is accessible and clearly presented.

If you were to buy just one book on the World Cup, I would have no hesitation in recommending this book for you to buy. A fantastic read.

Chuckle brothers in disguise?????????????, 09 Mar 2005
About as entertaining as their post match interviews & as searching as there hoofs down the line on a Saturday afternoon. Gary fails to mention that he has had such an England career thanks to the awful injuries sustained by Rob Jones many years ago. Apparently Phil could have been a top cricketer but you can't earn £50K for being ordinary in that sport can you? Would rather hear more about the chuckle sister who can throw a ball in a net pretty well by all accounts.

A Fascinating Read, 30 Oct 2001
Whether you love or hate these guys this book is worth a look. It gives an in-depth look into the lives of both the Neville brothers concentrating on their sporting up-bringing and turning into pro's. Coming from a family of sportsmen and women- mum and dad have connections with Bury FC, sister plays netball internationally- both phil and Gaz were bound to turn out into top sportsmen themselves. Whether it was to be in football or cricket was the only question asked.

Best football book i've ever read!, 03 Oct 2006
I now look out for Liechtenstein scores every game, I have my Liectensteing shirt, and my Liechtenstein pennant!

I have Harry Zech's autograph!

Great read.

But they lost every game!!!, 23 Jul 2006
A very funny book about Liechtenstein's 2002 World Cup qualifying campaign as seen through an English journalist's eyes. For some odd reason he decided to follow their home away and games on the back of a travel book on Liechtenstein bought in a second hand bookstore. His story combines the background of the country, its people and its fledgling football team.

The most strking thing is the strageness of living in a country with only 35,000 inhabitants, and how this permeats their personality. Especially the fact that it is all ran a by a bloke that lives in the big house on the top of the hill.

By the end, I was hoping the team would get a result against someone, or even just score a goal. They didn't, but that's football for you.


Superb, 10 Feb 2006
This is a wonderfully written book about the small country of Liechtenstein and their football team. Great stories, wonderful imagery, well written...it's the perfect book to read on a journey. Brilliant!

World Cup, 24 Apr 2006
I am an art fan rather than a football fan and I really enjoyed this book - it would be a great present for anyone who really loves football. This is much more about 'the beautiful game' than mere sports photos and really captures the feeling of the World Cup.

This is the perfect book for cricket fans, 22 Aug 2000
This book is perfect for all young cricket fans. It, like all the others in the series, combines the games with a good story line. It also throws in many stastics for those who wish to work out averages, top run scorers etc.

World Cup 2002 - an insider's viewpoint, 09 Jan 2003
For Simon Moran, World Cups had always been a distant event. As a kid they were held in far off places like Argentina and Mexico, and even as England were being knocked out of France 1998, Moran was an English journalist living in Japan watching the game on a TV screen in Osaka.
The chance to cover a World Cup on his own, adopted, doorstep was therefore not one to be missed and his World Cup diary, We Are Nippon, provides more than the usual 'I was there when we beat the Argies'-type account.

There is plenty of that of course, but where We Are Nippon differs from the average fan's-eye account is in the fact that the World Cup is not seen in isolation as an opportunity to have a few beers in an exotic location. Moran is able to gauge the feeling of the locals as the World Cup approaches, the apprehension of the 'foreign invasion' and the Japanese people's reaction to playing host to the outside world.
Travelling 6,400 miles across the country and taking in 14 games, including a good few from the safety of a bar seat, Moran also chooses to view the game through the eyes of an assortment of colleagues, friends and acquaintances, including Koreans and Germans which also lends the book a more worldly view than some others. The Korean view is particularly interesting as he explains why Korea was spelt with a 'C'. as this would put it ahead of Japan in the Roman alphabet.
As an Japanese-speaking Englishman, Moran is well-placed to comment on the phenomenal support for England from the home nation, and notes snippets of information like the fact that the hotel England stayed at in Awaji Island was inundated with requests from girls wanting to sleep in David Beckham's bed. In fact, England proved so popular that the hotel still has a £25 surcharge on any room used by the England team.
Where Moran's book excels is in the fact he speaks the language and understands the culture. There's no 'weird' local customs, or wide-eyed foreigner abroad here, and the book is all the more readable for it.
As the memories of World Cup 2002 fade into the distance, a rash of books have hit the shelves, We Are Nippon achieves the rare distinction of getting a good balance between the foreign visitor and hosts viewpoint, and for that reason is well worth the read.

The World Cup - as seen from Japan, 13 Dec 2002
We Are Nippon is a humorous and informative account not so much of the 2002 World Cup, but of the author's observations of it as an British, nay English, man who has lived in Japan for several years. Probably wisely, the author sticks to what for him is home turf by placing most of his attention on the England and Japan teams and their progress through the tournament.

Moran would appear to have broken out of whatever expat enclave exists where he is in Japan and has sufficiently embraced the local culture and language to be able to relay the opinions and reactions of an interesting cross-section of ordinary fans in Japan, not just the English-speaking minority that crosses his path. One of these is a Korean fellow born and raised in Japan but not afforded Japanese citizenship, giving him an immediate dilemma as to who to support. Moran himself also experiences mixed emotions, for while he is obviously a keen follower of English club football and is delighted to see England beat Argentina, he is clearly dismayed by the overall (in)ability of the team and the lack of sophistication shown by all-too-many of its followers. With the incredible support shown by the Japanese towards the England team, it would have been easy for an English writer to be swept along on the tide of England-mania and produce a glowing account of how wonderful we are and how we showed them all a good time. Instead, Moran delivers several frank, distanced opinions, some of which come from his football-savvy Japanese acquaintances. While such comments may cut too close to the bone for some English readers, I must confess to feeling the same way myself.

Throughout his account, Moran touches on the ticketing debacle, the mysterious innerworkings of FIFA, the paranoia of the Japanese authorities towards hooliganism, the growing commercialization of the tournament, and various aspects of life in Japan, the latter being made with an understated knowledge of the country and without the formularized references to geisha and kamikaze pilots that plague books on Japan. Throwaway trivia like the price of a cup of coffee in certain establishments is also refreshingly absent. While the competition was co-hosted, the lion's share of the interesting action took place in Japan, which has given the author plenty of material to work with. Games that took place in Korea, and in particular those involving Japan's biggest rival, are framed in terms of the opinions expressed by Japanese fans. Unsurprisingly given the tense relationship that has existed between the countries from long before they were chosen as cohosts, some of these comments are far from favourable.

In summary, Moran gives an informed account of the part of the World Cup that was in Japan, which while in diary format, does not overly rely on the first-person perspective. The action itself is described with the enthusiasm of a genuine fan overjoyed at being able to see the games, but forms only part of the text as a whole. The book raises many non-football issues, such as what do patriotism and nationality mean in our modern, internationalized world, but does not preach or suggest the right answer. Though the author sounds like he was constantly on the move, only the games involving the England and Japanese teams and the big games in the latter stages are covered. Some teams, such as Cameroon whose delayed arrival was headline news in Japan for several days, are given little or no mention, and readers wishing to read about other teams would be better off elsewhere. By being in Japan, the author missed out on what I think was the biggest story of the 2002 World Cup, the passion shown en masse in Korea, though he covers the Japan side of the tournament in a manner that is informative and eminently readable. If thereýfs a similar book on the World Cup in Korea, I'd like to read it.

The World Cup - as seen from Japan, 10 Dec 2002
We Are Nippon is a humorous and informative account not so much of the 2002 World Cup, but of the author's observations of it as an British, nay English, man who has lived in Japan for several years. Probably wisely, the author sticks to what for him is home turf by placing most of his attention on the England and Japan teams and their progress through the tournament.

Moran would appear to have broken out of whatever expat enclave exists where he is in Japan and has sufficiently embraced the local culture and language to be able to relay the opinions and reactions of an interesting cross-section of ordinary fans in Japan, not just the English-speaking minority that crosses his path. One of these is a Korean fellow born and raised in Japan but not afforded Japanese citizenship, giving him an immediate dilemma as to who to support. Moran himself also experiences mixed emotions, for while he is obviously a keen follower of English club football and is delighted to see England beat Argentina, he is clearly dismayed by the overall (in)ability of the national team and the lack of sophistication shown by all-too-many of its followers. With the incredible support shown by the Japanese towards the England team, it would have been easy for an English writer to be swept along on the tide of England-mania and produce a glowing account of how wonderful we are and how we showed them all a great time. Instead, Moran delivers a frank, distanced opinion, adding several critical comments from his football-savvy Japanese acquaintances. While this may cut too close to the bone for some English readers, I must confess to feeling the same way myself.

Throughout his account, Moran touches on the ticketing debacle, the mysterious innerworkings of FIFA, the paranoia of the Japanese authorities towards hooliganism, the growing commercialization of the tournament, and various aspects of life in Japan, the latter being made with an understated knowledge of the country and without the formularized references to geisha and kamikaze pilots that plague books on Japan. Throwaway trivia like the price of a cup of coffee in certain establishments is also refreshingly absent. While the competition was co-hosted, the lion's share of the interesting action took place in Japan, which has given the author plenty of material to work with. Games that took place in Korea, and in particular those involving Japan's biggest rival, are framed in terms of the opinions expressed by Japanese fans. Unsurprisingly given the tense relationship that has existed between the countries from long before they were chosen as cohosts, some of these comments are far from favourable.

In summary, Moran gives an informed account of the part of the World Cup that was in Japan. While in diary format, the book does not overly rely on the first-person perspective. The action itself is described with the enthusiasm of a genuine fan overjoyed at being able to see the games, but forms only part of the narrative. The book raises many non-football issues, such as what do patriotism and nationality mean in our modern, internationalized world, but does not preach or try to suggest the right answer. Though the author sounds like he was constantly on the move, only the games involving the England and Japan teams and the latter stages are covered. Some teams, such as Cameroon whose delayed arrival was headline news in Japan for several days, are given little or no mention, and readers wishing to read about other teams would be better off elsewhere. By being in Japan, the author missed out on what I think was the biggest story of the 2002 World Cup, the passion shown en masse in Korea, though he covers the Japan side of the tournament in a manner that is amusing and eminently readable. If there's a similar book on the World Cup in Korea, I'd like to read it.

Top stuff!, 02 Dec 2002
I was at the World Cup in Japan, and meant to keep a diary. Having read this, I'm glad I didn't bother. Moran whirls through the tournament recounting the mad fun of it all, though as he speaks Japanese and knows the country, he adds plenty that I was unable to see. This is a great read and a must for all football fans. I also learnt a lot more about Japan and this book should interest people who want an impression of Japan in 2002. Top stuff.

An excellent illustration of Japan and World Cup 2002, 01 Dec 2002
I have always wanted to go to Japan, and I have always wanted to go to the World Cup. So far, I've managed neither. Now that I have read We are Nippon, though, I feel I have done both.
This book really brings to life the games and the country I could only see on television. It tells as much about the Japanese as it does the tournament, and Moran's conversations with the people of the country he describes in fascinating detail are a real highlight. We learn about Japan in 2002 through the observations of football fans, sashimi chefs, hostesses, wannabe hooligans and ethnic Koreans - all sharpened with Moran's sardonic wit. I was a bit sceptical when I saw the book describe itself as 'the perfect souvenir...or illustration', but that's exactly what it is!

Wonderful, insightful fun, 18 Nov 2008
As a sportswriter, this is an invaluable book; it is simply the most informative, comprehensive and accurate reference book there is on the history of the World Cup. Many of the basic errors which remain on FIFA's official match reports are corrected and the length to which Freddi goes to source accurate information, especially on the pre-66 World Cups, puts the rest of us to shame. It has full names, with appropriate diacritics, for all players and accurate goal times and attendance figures. But it is so much more than that.

Freddi is a real writer, not just a sports anorak. Every match from 1930 to 2002 is reported on in an engaging, informative way which does more than simply recycle footballing clichés and received wisdom. They are written with a wry wit, the book is peppered with innumerable delicious asides which rival Bill Bryson and Dara O'Briain for observational humour such as, "Recoba, known as 'El Chino' for the Oriental features he simply didn't have..." and the ingenious "...the bushy haired (Paul) Breitner, a Marxist with Harpo tendencies...". They make it worth ignoring the book's value as a reference and simply reading from cover to cover.

The ultimate World Cup reference book, 17 May 2006
When the first edition of this book was released in 2002, I was hugely impressed with the sheer scope of this book. Fortunately, Cris Freddi has kept up his high standards with a thorough update of this reference book. This book fully lives up to its title as 'Complete book of the World Cup' as it contains every record, every team, referee, match, match report one can think of for the World Cup.

Although many World Cup reference book has much of this material, what sets this book apart from the rest are the fascinating match reports written for every single match played in the World Cup finals. The match reports are witty and offer interesting and individual analysis of the key action.Quite clearly, the book has been exhaustively researched and the material is accessible and clearly presented.

If you were to buy just one book on the World Cup, I would have no hesitation in recommending this book for you to buy. A fantastic read.

Chuckle brothers in disguise?????????????, 09 Mar 2005
About as entertaining as their post match interviews & as searching as there hoofs down the line on a Saturday afternoon. Gary fails to mention that he has had such an England career thanks to the awful injuries sustained by Rob Jones many years ago. Apparently Phil could have been a top cricketer but you can't earn £50K for being ordinary in that sport can you? Would rather hear more about the chuckle sister who can throw a ball in a net pretty well by all accounts.

A Fascinating Read, 30 Oct 2001
Whether you love or hate these guys this book is worth a look. It gives an in-depth look into the lives of both the Neville brothers concentrating on their sporting up-bringing and turning into pro's. Coming from a family of sportsmen and women- mum and dad have connections with Bury FC, sister plays netball internationally- both phil and Gaz were bound to turn out into top sportsmen themselves. Whether it was to be in football or cricket was the only question asked.

How the Japanese found their feet, 28 Aug 2008
In this insightful and informed book Sebastian Moffett attempts to explain how Japan, a country which until recently saw sport as nothing but baseball, came to embrace and begin to understand the beautiful game. The signs that a good book was in the making were already evident from the life and career that Moffett has led: firstly, he has spent the majority of his adult life in Japan and, secondly, he boasts an impressive CV; he has written in Japan, on Japan, for a variety of august publications including Time, Business Week and the International Herald Tribune.

He uses that practical experience of Japan and writing to significant effect. He is able, for example, to make elaborate and intelligent connections between society and sport. "Company policy defined much of post-war Japanese life and sport was no exception... More than western sport, professional or amateur, Japan's company sport resembled a capitalist version of the state amateurism practised in eastern Europe's communist era". Occasionally, the connections made between the history and politics of Japan and the kicking of a leather ball around a rectangular pitch for approximately an hour-and-a-half are obscure but Moffett is smart enough to bring the text back to particulars. When he does there are cameos from faces familiar to followers of British football including Gary Lineker and current Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. Wenger is particularly interesting; Moffett quotes from the book that Wenger published on his spell in management in Japan. It illustrates the problems and dilemmas of Japanese football culture. Wenger notes that "There was a wall between me and the Grampus [Eight] players... The player with the ball should be in charge of the game. I had to teach them to think for themselves". A multitude of other topics are also covered in the book incisively, including: the creation, marketing and economics of the J League, how the Japanese concept of wa (harmony) conflicts with sport and the fashion in which Japanese football has played adopt- a-country to further its development ("Since the 1960s West Germany had been the model... In the 1980s Brazil started to take over as an influence").

Japanese Rules is part of a growing body of works which explores football history and culture through nationality. Other titles worth investigating include the highly-acclaimed Brilliant Orange: The Neurotic Genius of Dutch Football and Futebol: The Brazilian Way of Life by Alex Bellos. What is most notable and impressive about Moffett's contribution is that he was writing and researching from a far smaller body of literature and examining an embryonic, rather than fully developed, culture. Unfortunately, it also means that it is likely that this book is only going to appeal to a niche market.


Japanese Rules, 27 Oct 2002
This book is absoulutley brilliant, providing you are a fan of football. You would also find this a great read if you are a World Cup fan. The book is based on yes you guessed it Japan, and football in Japan. It also has a little bit on Japanese Culture which is very interesting. I really liked the way the book was written.It contained interviews with people asking them their opinions, but at the same time put across the correct information. My one critisism would be that i was hoping for more about the 2002 world cup bid. If you are a fan of football or have visited Japan I can promise you will find this book interesting

Best football book i've ever read!, 03 Oct 2006
I now look out for Liechtenstein scores every game, I have my Liectensteing shirt, and my Liechtenstein pennant!

I have Harry Zech's autograph!

Great read.

But they lost every game!!!, 23 Jul 2006
A very funny book about Liechtenstein's 2002 World Cup qualifying campaign as seen through an English journalist's eyes. For some odd reason he decided to follow their home away and games on the back of a travel book on Liechtenstein bought in a second hand bookstore. His story combines the background of the country, its people and its fledgling football team.

The most strking thing is the strageness of living in a country with only 35,000 inhabitants, and how this permeats their personality. Especially the fact that it is all ran a by a bloke that lives in the big house on the top of the hill.

By the end, I was hoping the team would get a result against someone, or even just score a goal. They didn't, but that's football for you.


Superb, 10 Feb 2006
This is a wonderfully written book about the small country of Liechtenstein and their football team. Great stories, wonderful imagery, well written...it's the perfect book to read on a journey. Brilliant!

World Cup, 24 Apr 2006
I am an art fan rather than a football fan and I really enjoyed this book - it would be a great present for anyone who really loves football. This is much more about 'the beautiful game' than mere sports photos and really captures the feeling of the World Cup.

This is the perfect book for cricket fans, 22 Aug 2000
This book is perfect for all young cricket fans. It, like all the others in the series, combines the games with a good story line. It also throws in many stastics for those who wish to work out averages, top run scorers etc.

World Cup 2002 - an insider's viewpoint, 09 Jan 2003
For Simon Moran, World Cups had always been a distant event. As a kid they were held in far off places like Argentina and Mexico, and even as England were being knocked out of France 1998, Moran was an English journalist living in Japan watching the game on a TV screen in Osaka.
The chance to cover a World Cup on his own, adopted, doorstep was therefore not one to be missed and his World Cup diary, We Are Nippon, provides more than the usual 'I was there when we beat the Argies'-type account.

There is plenty of that of course, but where We Are Nippon differs from the average fan's-eye account is in the fact that the World Cup is not seen in isolation as an opportunity to have a few beers in an exotic location. Moran is able to gauge the feeling of the locals as the World Cup approaches, the apprehension of the 'foreign invasion' and the Japanese people's reaction to playing host to the outside world.
Travelling 6,400 miles across the country and taking in 14 games, including a good few from the safety of a bar seat, Moran also chooses to view the game through the eyes of an assortment of colleagues, friends and acquaintances, including Koreans and Germans which also lends the book a more worldly view than some others. The Korean view is particularly interesting as he explains why Korea was spelt with a 'C'. as this would put it ahead of Japan in the Roman alphabet.
As an Japanese-speaking Englishman, Moran is well-placed to comment on the phenomenal support for England from the home nation, and notes snippets of information like the fact that the hotel England stayed at in Awaji Island was inundated with requests from girls wanting to sleep in David Beckham's bed. In fact, England proved so popular that the hotel still has a £25 surcharge on any room used by the England team.
Where Moran's book excels is in the fact he speaks the language and understands the culture. There's no 'weird' local customs, or wide-eyed foreigner abroad here, and the book is all the more readable for it.
As the memories of World Cup 2002 fade into the distance, a rash of books have hit the shelves, We Are Nippon achieves the rare distinction of getting a good balance between the foreign visitor and hosts viewpoint, and for that reason is well worth the read.

The World Cup - as seen from Japan, 13 Dec 2002
We Are Nippon is a humorous and informative account not so much of the 2002 World Cup, but of the author's observations of it as an British, nay English, man who has lived in Japan for several years. Probably wisely, the author sticks to what for him is home turf by placing most of his attention on the England and Japan teams and their progress through the tournament.

Moran would appear to have broken out of whatever expat enclave exists where he is in Japan and has sufficiently embraced the local culture and language to be able to relay the opinions and reactions of an interesting cross-section of ordinary fans in Japan, not just the English-speaking minority that crosses his path. One of these is a Korean fellow born and raised in Japan but not afforded Japanese citizenship, giving him an immediate dilemma as to who to support. Moran himself also experiences mixed emotions, for while he is obviously a keen follower of English club football and is delighted to see England beat Argentina, he is clearly dismayed by the overall (in)ability of the team and the lack of sophistication shown by all-too-many of its followers. With the incredible support shown by the Japanese towards the England team, it would have been easy for an English writer to be swept along on the tide of England-mania and produce a glowing account of how wonderful we are and how we showed them all a good time. Instead, Moran delivers several frank, distanced opinions, some of which come from his football-savvy Japanese acquaintances. While such comments may cut too close to the bone for some English readers, I must confess to feeling the same way myself.

Throughout his account, Moran touches on the ticketing debacle, the mysterious innerworkings of FIFA, the paranoia of the Japanese authorities towards hooliganism, the growing commercialization of the tournament, and various aspects of life in Japan, the latter being made with an understated knowledge of the country and without the formularized references to geisha and kamikaze pilots that plague books on Japan. Throwaway trivia like the price of a cup of coffee in certain establishments is also refreshingly absent. While the competition was co-hosted, the lion's share of the interesting action took place in Japan, which has given the author plenty of material to work with. Games that took place in Korea, and in particular those involving Japan's biggest rival, are framed in terms of the opinions expressed by Japanese fans. Unsurprisingly given the tense relationship that has existed between the countries from long before they were chosen as cohosts, some of these comments are far from favourable.

In summary, Moran gives an informed account of the part of the World Cup that was in Japan, which while in diary format, does not overly rely on the first-person perspective. The action itself is described with the enthusiasm of a genuine fan overjoyed at being able to see the games, but forms only part of the text as a whole. The book raises many non-football issues, such as what do patriotism and nationality mean in our modern, internationalized world, but does not preach or suggest the right answer. Though the author sounds like he was constantly on the move, only the games involving the England and Japanese teams and the big games in the latter stages are covered. Some teams, such as Cameroon whose delayed arrival was headline news in Japan for several days, are given little or no mention, and readers wishing to read about other teams would be better off elsewhere. By being in Japan, the author missed out on what I think was the biggest story of the 2002 World Cup, the passion shown en masse in Korea, though he covers the Japan side of the tournament in a manner that is informative and eminently readable. If thereýfs a similar book on the World Cup in Korea, I'd like to read it.

The World Cup - as seen from Japan, 10 Dec 2002
We Are Nippon is a humorous and informative account not so much of the 2002 World Cup, but of the author's observations of it as an British, nay English, man who has lived in Japan for several years. Probably wisely, the author sticks to what for him is home turf by placing most of his attention on the England and Japan teams and their progress through the tournament.

Moran would appear to have broken out of whatever expat enclave exists where he is in Japan and has sufficiently embraced the local culture and language to be able to relay the opinions and reactions of an interesting cross-section of ordinary fans in Japan, not just the English-speaking minority that crosses his path. One of these is a Korean fellow born and raised in Japan but not afforded Japanese citizenship, giving him an immediate dilemma as to who to support. Moran himself also experiences mixed emotions, for while he is obviously a keen follower of English club football and is delighted to see England beat Argentina, he is clearly dismayed by the overall (in)ability of the national team and the lack of sophistication shown by all-too-many of its followers. With the incredible support shown by the Japanese towards the England team, it would have been easy for an English writer to be swept along on the tide of England-mania and produce a glowing account of how wonderful we are and how we showed them all a great time. Instead, Moran delivers a frank, distanced opinion, adding several critical comments from his football-savvy Japanese acquaintances. While this may cut too close to the bone for some English readers, I must confess to feeling the same way myself.

Throughout his account, Moran touches on the ticketing debacle, the mysterious innerworkings of FIFA, the paranoia of the Japanese authorities towards hooliganism, the growing commercialization of the tournament, and various aspects of life in Japan, the latter being made with an understated knowledge of the country and without the formularized references to geisha and kamikaze pilots that plague books on Japan. Throwaway trivia like the price of a cup of coffee in certain establishments is also refreshingly absent. While the competition was co-hosted, the lion's share of the interesting action took place in Japan, which has given the author plenty of material to work with. Games that took place in Korea, and in particular those involving Japan's biggest rival, are framed in terms of the opinions expressed by Japanese fans. Unsurprisingly given the tense relationship that has existed between the countries from long before they were chosen as cohosts, some of these comments are far from favourable.

In summary, Moran gives an informed account of the part of the World Cup that was in Japan. While in diary format, the book does not overly rely on the first-person perspective. The action itself is described with the enthusiasm of a genuine fan overjoyed at being able to see the games, but forms only part of the narrative. The book raises many non-football issues, such as what do patriotism and nationality mean in our modern, internationalized world, but does not preach or try to suggest the right answer. Though the author sounds like he was constantly on the move, only the games involving the England and Japan teams and the latter stages are covered. Some teams, such as Cameroon whose delayed arrival was headline news in Japan for several days, are given little or no mention, and readers wishing to read about other teams would be better off elsewhere. By being in Japan, the author missed out on what I think was the biggest story of the 2002 World Cup, the passion shown en masse in Korea, though he covers the Japan side of the tournament in a manner that is amusing and eminently readable. If there's a similar book on the World Cup in Korea, I'd like to read it.

Top stuff!, 02 Dec 2002
I was at the World Cup in Japan, and meant to keep a diary. Having read this, I'm glad I didn't bother. Moran whirls through the tournament recounting the mad fun of it all, though as he speaks Japanese and knows the country, he adds plenty that I was unable to see. This is a great read and a must for all football fans. I also learnt a lot more about Japan and this book should interest people who want an impression of Japan in 2002. Top stuff.

An excellent illustration of Japan and World Cup 2002, 01 Dec 2002
I have always wanted to go to Japan, and I have always wanted to go to the World Cup. So far, I've managed neither. Now that I have read We are Nippon, though, I feel I have done both.
This book really brings to life the games and the country I could only see on television. It tells as much about the Japanese as it does the tournament, and Moran's conversations with the people of the country he describes in fascinating detail are a real highlight. We learn about Japan in 2002 through the observations of football fans, sashimi chefs, hostesses, wannabe hooligans and ethnic Koreans - all sharpened with Moran's sardonic wit. I was a bit sceptical when I saw the book describe itself as 'the perfect souvenir...or illustration', but that's exactly what it is!

Wonderful, insightful fun, 18 Nov 2008
As a sportswriter, this is an invaluable book; it is simply the most informative, comprehensive and accurate reference book there is on the history of the World Cup. Many of the basic errors which remain on FIFA's official match reports are corrected and the length to which Freddi goes to source accurate information, especially on the pre-66 World Cups, puts the rest of us to shame. It has full names, with appropriate diacritics, for all players and accurate goal times and attendance figures. But it is so much more than that.

Freddi is a real writer, not just a sports anorak. Every match from 1930 to 2002 is reported on in an engaging, informative way which does more than simply recycle footballing clichés and received wisdom. They are written with a wry wit, the book is peppered with innumerable delicious asides which rival Bill Bryson and Dara O'Briain for observational humour such as, "Recoba, known as 'El Chino' for the Oriental features he simply didn't have..." and the ingenious "...the bushy haired (Paul) Breitner, a Marxist with Harpo tendencies...". They make it worth ignoring the book's value as a reference and simply reading from cover to cover.

The ultimate World Cup reference book, 17 May 2006
When the first edition of this book was released in 2002, I was hugely impressed with the sheer scope of this book. Fortunately, Cris Freddi has kept up his high standards with a thorough update of this reference book. This book fully lives up to its title as 'Complete book of the World Cup' as it contains every record, every team, referee, match, match report one can think of for the World Cup.

Although many World Cup reference book has much of this material, what sets this book apart from the rest are the fascinating match reports written for every single match played in the World Cup finals. The match reports are witty and offer interesting and individual analysis of the key action.Quite clearly, the book has been exhaustively researched and the material is accessible and clearly presented.

If you were to buy just one book on the World Cup, I would have no hesitation in recommending this book for you to buy. A fantastic read.

Chuckle brothers in disguise?????????????, 09 Mar 2005
About as entertaining as their post match interviews & as searching as there hoofs down the line on a Saturday afternoon. Gary fails to mention that he has had such an England career thanks to the awful injuries sustained by Rob Jones many years ago. Apparently Phil could have been a top cricketer but you can't earn £50K for being ordinary in that sport can you? Would rather hear more about the chuckle sister who can throw a ball in a net pretty well by all accounts.

A Fascinating Read, 30 Oct 2001
Whether you love or hate these guys this book is worth a look. It gives an in-depth look into the lives of both the Neville brothers concentrating on their sporting up-bringing and turning into pro's. Coming from a family of sportsmen and women- mum and dad have connections with Bury FC, sister plays netball internationally- both phil and Gaz were bound to turn out into top sportsmen themselves. Whether it was to be in football or cricket was the only question asked.

How the Japanese found their feet, 28 Aug 2008
In this insightful and informed book Sebastian Moffett attempts to explain how Japan, a country which until recently saw sport as nothing but baseball, came to embrace and begin to understand the beautiful game. The signs that a good book was in the making were already evident from the life and career that Moffett has led: firstly, he has spent the majority of his adult life in Japan and, secondly, he boasts an impressive CV; he has written in Japan, on Japan, for a variety of august publications including Time, Business Week and the International Herald Tribune.

He uses that practical experience of Japan and writing to significant effect. He is able, for example, to make elaborate and intelligent connections between society and sport. "Company policy defined much of post-war Japanese life and sport was no exception... More than western sport, professional or amateur, Japan's company sport resembled a capitalist version of the state amateurism practised in eastern Europe's communist era". Occasionally, the connections made between the history and politics of Japan and the kicking of a leather ball around a rectangular pitch for approximately an hour-and-a-half are obscure but Moffett is smart enough to bring the text back to particulars. When he does there are cameos from faces familiar to followers of British football including Gary Lineker and current Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. Wenger is particularly interesting; Moffett quotes from the book that Wenger published on his spell in management in Japan. It illustrates the problems and dilemmas of Japanese football culture. Wenger notes that "There was a wall between me and the Grampus [Eight] players... The player with the ball should be in charge of the game. I had to teach them to think for themselves". A multitude of other topics are also covered in the book incisively, including: the creation, marketing and economics of the J League, how the Japanese concept of wa (harmony) conflicts with sport and the fashion in which Japanese football has played adopt- a-country to further its development ("Since the 1960s West Germany had been the model... In the 1980s Brazil started to take over as an influence").

Japanese Rules is part of a growing body of works which explores football history and culture through nationality. Other titles worth investigating include the highly-acclaimed Brilliant Orange: The Neurotic Genius of Dutch Football and Futebol: The Brazilian Way of Life by Alex Bellos. What is most notable and impressive about Moffett's contribution is that he was writing and researching from a far smaller body of literature and examining an embryonic, rather than fully developed, culture. Unfortunately, it also means that it is likely that this book is only going to appeal to a niche market.


Japanese Rules, 27 Oct 2002
This book is absoulutley brilliant, providing you are a fan of football. You would also find this a great read if you are a World Cup fan. The book is based on yes you guessed it Japan, and football in Japan. It also has a little bit on Japanese Culture which is very interesting. I really liked the way the book was written.It contained interviews with people asking them thei