Steven Stark and Harrison Stark are the authors of World Cup 2010: The Indispensable Guide to Soccer and Geopolitics recently published by Blue River Press. The book combines humor, soccer knowledge and a bit history to discuss the World Cup from a variety of angles. In addition to in depth previews of each team, the book also provides discussion on the politics of hosting, the background of the tournament and offers some predictions on the result. The first part of the book provides context for the event, while the team guides will be a great companion for fans looking for insight into the teams on the field.
The Starks were kind enough to take a few questions from us about their book, the politics of the World Cup and the games coming to South Africa. Thanks to the Starks for a few minutes.
Footiebusiness.com: The book discusses the impact of the first African World Cup and addresses the politics, geography and climate that will make 2010 unique. Recent reports indicate that ticket sales for South Africa are falling well short of expectations. How do you believe those elements that make South Africa a such a unique destination for the World Cup are affecting ticket sales? Why are fans staying away?
Steven Stark/Harrison Stark: There are a couple of things going on here. It’s a long trip to South Africa for everyone – and an expensive one too. We’re in the middle of the worst economic downturn in over a half century, so money is tight. And, any time you put the World Cup in a locale that is not one of the leading industrial nations of the world, some people are going to be scared away.
For the home nation, we write in the book that like everything else in South Africa, the nation’s attitude to the sport is inextricably tied to the history of apartheid. Most whites in South Africa are more cricket and rugby fans than soccer ones. So that’s a sizable part of a potential audience, too, that may not be buying tickets.
FB: In addition to the geopolitical and historical elements, the book also provides detailed information on each team coming to South Africa. Was the book written for the “hard core” soccer fan or someone watching soccer for the first time. How did you balance the difference in knowledge and interest among your target readers?
SS/HS: We tried to reach both audiences. In a sense, the chapter introductions may be more geared to a first-time fan (along with the country profiles), while the team discussions are more geared to the hard core fan.
FB: The book offers a series of predictions about the results and classifies teams based on their level of expectation. What is your basis for those predictions?
SS/HS: Well, we watch a lot of soccer and read a lot about it too. But in the book, we make the point that the World Cup is unusual in that pedigree tends to count for an enormous amount in trying to determine who will do well. A very small set of countries – namely Brazil, Argentina, Germany, and Italy – tends to dominate this tournament. That doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll win again but they’re always the best bets.
FB: What efforts have been made to market the book? Have you been doing book signings and radio/TV interviews? What types of stores will be carrying the book?
SS/HS: Hopefully the book is available everywhere, both on line in places such as Amazon and in stores. We are doing a tour featuring New England, New York, and California and we will be doing a fair number of radio/TV interviews. Information about all those is available on the book website (http://worldcupsoccervoice.blogspot.com/) and on booktour.com . We’re also analyzing the Cup for realclearsports.com.
FB: The cover depicts two prominent players (Ronaldinho and Beckham) who will not feature for their national teams? Was thought given to changing the cover to reflect that reality? Do you think that “hard core” fans will be turned off by the cover photo?
SS/HS: Don’t judge the book by its cover! Yes Beckham got hurt after we had gone to press. But no, it’s too late to change things now.
FB: Finally, given soccer’s place on the American sports landscape, why do Americans purchase more tickets than any other country for the World Cup? What does that mean for the future of the game in the United States?
SS/HS: It’s certainly a hopeful sign but one shouldn’t read too much into it. As we said before, this is a hard Cup for anyone to get to, and we’re a wealthy and large country so we have more fans available who can make the trip. Last year’s run to the Confederations Cup final may also have convinced some Americans that this team has a chance to do well.
Posted by Ben Berger 
As we do every few weeks, we like to take a look around MLS to see what teams are doing to create buzz and increase attendance for the upcoming weekend of games. With the last regular season matches upon us, now is a good time to take a last look at promotions for 2009.
With a big soccer doubleheader on ESPN, we thought we would review the broadcast, commercials and marketing from the telecast. Before the game, the USA/Costa Rica match featured prominently across all ESPN platforms. There were lead ins on SportsCenter and a 30 minute pre-game featuring Stone and Musto from Bristol. The pre-game coverage included a thorough review of qualifiying from around the globe. Commercials during the pre-game included Bridgestone, Gatorade, Pennzoil and others. There was also a fairly limited amount of local advertising.
Its been a while since we have taken a look at the world of MLS promtions, and with a big weekend of games on the horizon, we thought we would take a look at what the home teams have planned this coming week. We’ll start in DC, where RFK will host the Costa Rica/USA qualifier and a game with enormous playoff implications. In an effort to generate attendance for both of those games, United is offering a combo package that offers a 
They are the bane of many an MLS fan, yet they continue to represent a substantial portion of Americn soccer crowds. Teams cater to them, by offering special four packs, pre-game soccer celebrations and mascots. Who are these fans? They are familes. Kids, soccer moms minivans and more.
Another weekend is in the books, as both MLS and WPS continue their march to the playoffs. However, perhaps the highlight was the Barcelona/Galaxy friendly that drew more than 93k to the Rose Bowl. Another huge crowd and another sign of the popularity of soccer in the US. Stay tuned the rest of this week for a series of posts addressing this issue. We have spoken with folks across the spectrum of soccer fandom to find out what would either make them MLS fans or make MLS more popular. We will post these reports over the next couple of days.