The 10 Football Matches That Changed The World: ... And the One That Didn't

by Jim Murphy

The assertion that ‘football isn’t a matter of life or death, it’s much more important than that’ has been verified repeatedly throughout modern history. It has bolstered tyrants and helped depose them; contributed to conflict and created ceasefires. It has been an incubator of racism at home and helped bring down a racist regime abroad; shaped cities, changed cultures and inspired resistance. Its impact is as dynamic as the game itself. In this fascinating exploration, Jim Murphy takes us on a journey around the world and through the years, from Franco’s Spain to Africa’s Alcatraz, Robben Island. Charting the match that sparked a Central American war, the Barcelona team threatened at gunpoint, and the game that helped save Rupert Murdoch’s media empire, among much else, Murphy lends a fresh new perspective to some of the most iconic moments in international football. Blending a love of the game with an appreciation of its place in global events, this is an authoritative and often humorous mix of sport and history, featuring fascinating first-hand insights from those most involved in the ten matches that changed the world … and the one that didn’t.

352 pages, Hardcover

First published June 11, 2014

About the author

Jim Murphy is the Labour Member of Parliament for East Renfrewshire. He is a former UK Cabinet minister and has held a variety of ministerial roles in Tony Blair and Gordon Brown's governments. He was born and raised in Glasgow before his family emigrated to South Africa. In the 1980s, he returned to the UK to avoid conscription into the South African Army during the apartheid era. He has a lifelong love of football and is a Celtic season ticket holder, although at forty-six he is well past his footballing prime. The House of Commons football team is probably the only squad in the country where, despite his age, he would still be considered the youthful mid field box-to-box runner.

Reviews

[Allan]

This was a Christmas present from my parents a few years back. I received a number of football related books from them- a safe bet!

I found this a fascinating exploration of a number of significant football matches and football rivalries. Some of them were completely new to me and in others I discovered new context and detail.

A mixture of research and interviews with footballers, politicians and others put together by the former MP Jim Murphy who was also clearly a linchpin of the parliamentary football team.

I particularly was struck by the story of how Chelsea striker Pat Nevin spoke out against racist chants and comments from the crowds about one of his fellow players Paul Canoville, and as a young man used his post match conference to bravely confront the ignorance and prejudice amongst the supporters (Crystal Palace v Chelsea 1984). Something that the football establishment up to that point in the 90’s had failed to do.

And some interesting material on the part Andy Burnham played in helping establish some very delayed justice for the relatives of the Hillsborough disaster.

I think the title probably overpromises….but a good discussion starter!

[James Gilmartin]

Excellent read, only part I disagreed with is Mr. Murphy choice of a game that didn't matter. That particular game showed that even amongst the horrors of hell on Earth, society can stop and play a friendly game.

[Pinko Palest]

not much that the well-informed football fan doesn't already know, plus a generous dose of anecdotes about the author, a centrist Labour politician (aka. melt) himself. Like most New Labourites, he just can't keep away from the moralising

[Mika]

I consider myself someone who knows a lot about the game of football, but that was until I read this book - apparently I don't know anything that's worth knowing. It's one thing to know how much Aguero cost Manchester City 2011, or who won the Champions League 2005/06, but that's nothing when comparing to the content of this book.

Such a great book with some fantastic insights in history and events that have shaped football. Jim Murphy has really done his research (travels and interviews) about the topics and should be credited for that too. A genuine football fan.

Although it's a difficult read, with a lot of different people associated to football, whom I never had heard of earlier (hardly his fault). Several times I found the author spuring away from topic, discussion other things. I'd say it's a book directed for the English audience due to its focus on some British politicians and its concepts. It's actually written by one.

Surely a four star-rating, due to the hours Murphy has put into this and the educational part of it, but due to his pale capability of keeping in track, the complication of reading becomes apparent.