From the days of the game in ancient China up till the days of the Beckhams in their palace, football has always been known as a funny old game. In his lively and off-beat study, Norman Giller kicks off by examining the origins of football, starting with the argument over whether the Chinese, the Romans or the English invented the game. He leads us decade by decade through the antics of a procession of great characters who have graced (and sometimes disgraced) the national sport. The major scandals of the decade will be chronicled, as well as the history, hysteria and highlights of the World Cup.