5 stars (Great intro) - This is a book, especially for parents who are trying to figure out the game and people who'd like to learn more about it. 1 stars (A complete waste of time) - This is the first time I have reviewed a book for Amazon. I am doing this because I consider this book to be 100% garbage. If you are looking for a book full of annoying cross references (i.e. see page 118; see page 73) and for a book which repeats the same quotes or phrases in different chapters (was there really no editor?) BUY THIS BOOK. Also, if you are looking for cheap tid-bits and trivia about the US women's soccer team (was it really necessary to write three times about one female ripping her shirt off after a goal?) BUT THIS BOOK. If you want to have a general overview about the rules of Soccer but want nothing of strategy, technique, training, then BUY THIS BOOK. (or why not just go to the FIFA website and download the same rules which make up 50% of this book) But if you want to learn how to play or coach soccer, forget it. This book is a COMPLETE waste of time. 5 stars (Excellent intro for newcomers; solid content for veterans) - Carries on the excellent tradition of the "for dummies" books: offers solid content and information for veteran soccer afficionados while organized as a well-written, well rounded introduction for the novice. Gives comprehensive overviews about all aspects of the game -- rules, strategies, the world of professional soccer (the leagues, tournaments, events), as well as an excellent history of the game and its development. It's refreshing to see a book for newcomers that doesn't strip things down - there is a wealth of well-researched information here that is useful for the experienced fan or participant. ... For Dummies :: Sports & Recreation & Soccer :: Soccer (Association football) :: Sports & Recreation :: Sports :: Soccer :: Alexi Lalas :: Michael Lewis :: :: Soccer for Dummies