Chris Evans is a freelance writer whose work regularly appears in FourFourTwo magazine. He is also the editor of The Set Pieces.com. His work has appeared in The Guardian, Independent and Mail Online, and other nationals. @thesetpieces

WATERSTONES BEST BOOKS OF 2022 - SPORT

'A brilliant new perspective on World Cup management... Superbly insightful .' - Jamie Carragher
'Superb - great stories about the greatest tournament' - Daniel Taylor

Master tacticians, crazy tyrants and lucky generals... This insightful investigation reveals the mindsets and, frankly, at times unbelievable approaches of the coaches who strive to deliver football's ultimate prize.

HOW DO YOU WIN THE WORLD CUP?

Godlike genius or the focus of a disappointed nation's fury - the world's most prestigious tournament makes or breaks a national coach. Only 20 managers have guided their team to World Cup glory, so what are their secrets? From revolutionary tactics to hare-brained schemes, this book searches for the keys to the most exclusive club in international football.
They may silently plot on the bench or manically gesticulate from the sidelines, but what can the coach really do to influence their team's performance? Discover the tactical innovations and brilliant strategies as well as the bizarre superstitions, psychological masterclasses and bonkers team-building regimes that managers have employed in the quest for that iconic trophy.
Charting the successes, failures, dramas and controversies of 90 years of World Cup action, through the insights of journalists, players and managers with first-hand experience of World Cup competition, this book comprehensively documents the lengths the man in the dugout will go to in order to bring home the greatest prize.
The book features contributions from leading World Cup stars, including Luiz Felipe Scolari, Geoff Hurst, Carlos Alberto Parreira, Pierre Littbarski, Roberto Martinez, Mick McCarthy, Tomas Brolin, Jamie Carragher, Alexi Lalas, Patrick Barclay, Raphael Honigstein and Graham Hunter.

Foreword
Prologue

Chapter One: A Different World (International Management)
Chapter Two: Starting from the Bottom (Minnows)
Chapter Three: Facing an Apocalypse (Qualification
Chapter Four: In the Line of Duty (Danger)
Chapter Five: Hosting the Party (Hosts)
Chapter Six: A Race Against Time (Late Appointments)
Chapter Seven: The History Boys (First Times)
Chapter Eight: Select Your Weapons (Team Selection)
Chapter Nine: Picking a General (Captains)
Chapter Ten: A Home From Home (Atmosphere)
Chapter Eleven: A Shot in the Balls (Big Incidents)
Chapter Twelve: Don't Mention the War (Rivalries)
Chapter Thirteen: Miracle Workers (Underdogs)
Chapter Fourteen: Now or Never (Golden Generation)
Chapter Fifteen: Managing the Impossible (Enigmas)
Chapter Sixteen: Finding an Edge (Big Games)
Chapter Seventeen: Managers on the Spot (Penalties)
Chapter Eighteen: Becoming Champion (Final)
Chapter Nineteen: The Winner's Curse (Retaining)
Epilogue