Like most book readers, I lament that the book is better than the movie. The format of books permits space, imagination, and freedom to the reader. However, unlike my spouse, I like movies, be they documentaries, dramas, or comedy. And Inverting the Pyramid should be a documentary.
One of my favorite television shows is Ted Lasso. In an early scene from the pilot, Coach Beard, Ted’s assistant, is reading Inverting the Pyramid: The History of Football Tactics, by Jonathan Wilson. In the spirit of being curious, not judgmental, I bought a used copy of the book and gave it a read.
I am not one of those Americans who loves soccer in an earnest attempt to be cosmopolitan, or an American who detests soccer as some socialist attempt to soften our kids. Consider me an extremely casual fan: I will try to watch the USMNT play in the World Cup, but I am not going to tune in for qualifiers or MLS games. That said, I like soccer on the few occasions when I watch or play it, and if my offspring decide to play, I will wholeheartedly encourage it and support them. It would probably be a good game for me to try as I age.
In that spirit, I picked up the book, hoping to learn a few things about the history and tactics of the game. Boy, did I. Wilson’s work is well researched and detailed about the history of the game, humorous anecdotes, and cross-continental diffusion of approaches to the game. And I had no clue what most of it meant.
I blame this on my failure to watch much soccer, but because I maintain an interest in the concept of the book- an insight into the history and development of soccer tactics- I would love to watch this as a documentary. Grainy footage of the 1953 Game of the Century between England and Hungary, with commentary about the tactical innovations of the Hungarians would be absolutely delightful, and help a neophyte like myself. Following this with color shots from the 1970 Brazilian World Cup Team’s shocking and beautiful jerseys and play would paint the picture Wilson produces much more effectively. At least for a boorish American like myself.
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