Every four years, the planet stops dead for an event like no other. The World Cup captures the global imagination in a way that dwarfs every other sporting competition. Glittering Prize tells the full story of its thrilling century-long arc. Volume II focuses on what many consider the tournament's golden era: Paolo Rossi's surprise eruption to fire Italy to victory in Spain in 1982; Diego Maradona's almighty show of will and skill four years later in Mexico; the unforgettable exploits of Totò Schillaci and Roger Milla at Italia 90; the glitzy extravaganza of USA 94; and France's vivid triumph on home soil in 1998. Brimming with fascinating detail and compelling personalities such as Michel Platini, Lothar Matthäus, Roberto Baggio and Zinedine Zidane, Glittering Prize is a riveting chronicle of the greatest sporting show on earth.

"A refreshing and illuminating look at the greatest of all competitions. Full of fresh insights and detail, awash with new colour."

"Superbly written and rich in detail, this is a joyous trip through the history of the greatest show on earth."

"O'Brien has already written the definitive history of the Euros: this is the companion piece the World Cup needs."

Jonathan O'Brien is assistant chief sub at The Irish Times and author of Euro Summits: The Story of the UEFA European Championship 1960–2021, also published by Pitch. He lives in Dublin.