FIFA Fever

Purportedly, man has been kicking a little round ball made of animal skins through a gap in a net stretched between two poles since 2,500 BC, and over the years “the beautiful game” of soccer (called football outside the U.S.) has evolved and spread into nearly every nation on the planet. For example: the first World Cup was held in 1930 with 13 nations, but in 2006, Germany will host the next World Cup with nearly 200 teams participating in qualification matches. Celebrating the FIFA (International Federation of Football Association) centennial in 2004--created in 1904 to arrange games between professional teams of various countries, FIFA boasts 203 national members and more participating countries than the United Nations--FIFA Fever serves up the greatest soccer highlights from 17 World Cup Championship games, four FIFA Women's Cups, and the Youth World Championships, showcasing a myriad of great players (such as David Beckham and Pele), teams, plays, and goals through news and network footage as well as interviews. With bonus features including bloopers, the France '98 review, and the first World Cup Official Film, this program is soccer junkie heaven! Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (L. Stevens)