The book ends with a lament for the fact that nearly all the good, not just the great, Argentinian players now play abroad and the domestic league is a mediocre affair, played in poor stadia, mirroring the real economy’s decline and dependence on exports. I did notice Wilson’s tendency to over-describe the physical features of certain characters within the book – though I’m sure there is nothing sinister in that and he is simply reflecting a northern European impression of the Latin look and demeanour which has been the subject of certain stereotype. Perhaps the defining theme of this book is that Argentina, invariably perceived as an El Dorado waiting to be discovered and exploited, has never lived up to that Utopian potential, thus engendering disillusionment and cynicism. The story Wilson tells from that point onwards is broadly one of a conflict between those two tendencies within the Argentinian game.

Wilson napisał jednak książkę nie tyle o samej piłce nożnej, co o umęczonym kraju, dla którego ten sport jest częścią tożsamości narodowej, tak jak dla Polaka Biedronka i pierogi. Regardless of the state of Argentina’s economy or government, it seemed as if football united Argentina, once again.Tempted by Keith Burkinshaw to join Tottenham Hotspur, they proved an adornment to the English game and are fondly remembered. On a club level, the hooliganism continues in its modern avatar and clubs, like South America in general, always become great manufacturers of talent but never it’s polishers. He also highlights Argentina’s two most internationally acclaimed players, Maradona and Messi, which I always love to read. She is the author of the poetry collection Scars/Stars and co-editor of Octavia’s Brood: Science Fiction Stories from Social Justice Movements.

Some of the best parts of the book are about the extraordinary World Cup of 1978 in which Luis Mennotti’s flowing team, led by Mario Kempes and his hair, won the ultimate prize at home against a backdrop of military dictatorship and violence.

Imarisha doesn’t flinch as she guides us through the difficulties and contradictions, eschewing theory for a much messier reality. ANGELS WITH DITY FACES is the definitive history of a great footballing nation and its many paradoxes. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio. As Wilson pointed out, as at the time of the writing in 2016, “They’ve won two World Cups and lost in three finals; they’ve won fourteen Copa Américas (six more than Brazil).